James Wood may not consider himself shy, but he admits that he often comes off as quiet. The 6-foot-7 outfielder, who recently made his MLB debut for the Washington Nationals, describes himself as “pretty chill” and relaxed. Despite his laid-back demeanor, Wood is dedicated and hardworking, with coaches and teammates praising his character and work ethic.
Drafted 62nd overall in 2021 and quickly making a name for himself in the minor leagues, Wood has impressed with his performance on the field. With a remarkable 1.058 OPS and 10 home runs in just 52 games at Triple-A before being called up, Wood has shown that he is a unique talent in baseball. Standing at 6-foot-7, he possesses a rare combination of size, speed, and power that sets him apart from other players.
Wood’s debut in the MLB showcased his potential, with his impressive hitting and speed catching the attention of fans and analysts alike. While he is considered a generational talent, Wood is aware of the challenges that lie ahead in his career. The Nationals, who are in a period of transition following their World Series win in 2019, see Wood as a key part of their future.
Traded to Washington as part of a package deal that sent Juan Soto to the Padres, Wood was initially surprised by the trade but quickly adjusted to his new team. With a supportive family background and a strong work ethic, Wood has proven himself to be a promising player both on and off the field.
Around the time he was in fourth grade, James Wood made a crucial decision: he chose baseball over basketball. The reason? As he humorously put it, “I was better at basketball, but baseball was more fun.”
His talent continued to grow as he progressed to St. John’s College High School, known for having the top baseball program in D.C. However, it wasn’t until 2020 that things really took off for him. After his junior season was canceled due to the pandemic, he gained 30 pounds by eating like a bear and working out at a nearby church with his friends.
It was during this time, in July 2020, that Wood hit what he still considers the most awe-inspiring home run of his career. Playing for the travel team Dirtbags in a prestigious tournament called WWBA in Georgia, the 17-year-old Wood shocked everyone by crushing a pitch that was by his eyeballs into the distance.
Teammate Derek Bender, who was on deck at the time, was left speechless. “The kid is 6-foot-7, a string bean at that point. He never really swung at pitches up or in — that’s really why I made that face,” Bender said.
For James Wood, the expectations of an entire organization rest on his broad shoulders. While some might find this pressure daunting, Wood remains unfazed. When compared to the more flamboyant personalities in the game, he simply states, “Baseball is fun. That’s kinda it. I just like playing.”