I’m Just Trying To Be Consistent” | Nationals Top Prospect James Wood Wins International League Player Of The Month, Awaits Expected Call Up To Majors

The Washington Nationals have a bevy of young talent in their farm system, but few standout like 6-foot-7- and 240-pound outfielder James Wood.

 

The club’s top ranked prospect is inching his way closer and closer to being called up to the majors. Blessed with a big bat and great athleticism, Wood has shined since arriving to the club via the blockbuster Juan Soto trade which occurred in August of 2022.

 

Wood has quickly worked his way up to the Triple-A level and just like he did in Single-A and Double-A he’s flourished. In fact Wood has been so good thus far this season that was named International League Player of the Month for the month of May which included a 12-game hitting streak that stretched from May 3-16, the longest for any Red Wings player this season. He also had eight multi-hit games.

 

In all Wood went (28-71) in May with a league-leading (.506) on-base percentage, slugging percentage (.746) and on-base plus slugging (1.252). He led the team with (53) total bases, (22) RBI, walks (17), hits (28) and of course homer with (7). Wood also tied for the team lead with (18) runs scored.

Wood Did That Despite Being Injured Late In Month

 

Wood was so good in May that the Nationals considered bringing him up, that if until he suffered hamstring tightness sending him to the seven-day injured list on May 28th. Now back in the fold, the hulking slugger is looking to get back to excellent play. Prior to his injury Wood boasted a slash line of .355/.465/.596 with nine homers.

Speaking with reporters prior to his injury Wood talked about staying focused and consistent.

“I’m just trying to be consistent. I’m just trying to get myself prepared, and sometimes the game just goes your way a little bit more times than others.”

“Obviously reaching the majors is the goal, but I’m just really trying to stay focused on what I can accomplish here every day.”

Wood Is Ready, So When?

Wood has shown time and time again throughout his minor league journey that he’s a keeper. This season he’s shown it against the top prospects in the minors. All that’s left now is for him to show he’s fully healthy and ready, and the expectancy is the Nationals (32-35) will likely promote him in the coming weeks. Despite being (14.5) games behind the NL East division-leading Phillies and (10.5) games behind the second-play Braves, a wildcard playoff berth isn’t out of the question this season.

 

 

The question that must be answered is are the Nationals willing to bring him up despite a season that most likely won’t result in a playoff berth or run. The best way for Wood to continue to develop is playing against the best, and with him having dominated

Triple-A pitching it may be time for a change of scenery.