James Wood showcased his potential as a top prospect during Saturday’s game. In just his sixth MLB appearance, the Washington Nationals rookie hit his first career home run off St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Lance Lynn in the second inning with two men on base. The Nationals’ announcers immediately recognized the power behind his swing.
According to Baseball Savant, the ball had an exit velocity of 103.3 mph and traveled 383 feet. Wood continued his impressive performance by driving in two more runs with his first career double in the following inning, totaling five RBIs for the game. The Nationals went on to win 14-6, with Wood finishing the day with a .304/.407/.478 slash line, four walks, and six strikeouts in 27 plate appearances.
Wood’s exceptional power has catapulted him up the prospect rankings this season. Recently, Baseball America named him the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball, surpassing preseason top prospect Jackson Holliday. MLB Pipeline currently ranks Wood as the No. 2 prospect, just behind Holliday.
Standing at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, Wood possesses a unique blend of size and skill that sets him apart from other prospects. In addition to his power at the plate, he excels as a runner both on the bases and in the outfield. His improved contact rate this season showcases his dedication to honing his craft, transitioning from a 33% strikeout rate at Double-A last season to 18.2% at Triple-A this year.
Wood’s potential as a future star for the Nationals is evident. Acquired in the Juan Soto trade, he could be a key piece in the team’s ongoing rebuild. While other top prospects like Dylan Crews also show promise, Wood’s performance on the field indicates he could be a cornerstone for the franchise. It is noteworthy that Wood’s first home run came against the Cardinals, a team that could have potentially traded for Soto in the past.