The Washington Nationals’ season may not be going as planned, sitting with a 31-44 record as of June 20th, good for second to last in the NL East Division. Despite the Nationals’ struggles to consistently win on the diamond, one positive development has given fans hope for the future. That is second-year left fielder James Wood.
Wood, 22, has displayed incremental improvements in his performance on the diamond so far this season after a solid rookie campaign for the Nationals. Last year, Wood made his impact felt, becoming one of three Nationals rookies age 22 or younger to have 70+ hits, 40+ RBIs, 40+ runs and five home runs in a season.
The other players to do that? Bryce Harper and Juan Soto. Harper has won multiple MVPs and been a perennial All-Star whileSoto has become one of the best hitters in MLB history, playing an integral part in helping the Nationals win their only World Series title in franchise history in 2019—incredible company to be a part of.
After an impressive rookie campaign, Wood has not plateaued. Instead, he’s been hot like a wildfire on the diamond, elevating his play across the board. This season, Woods is averaging a .284 batting average and a .380 OBP. He has dramatically improved his slugging percentage from .427 to .564 and already has 20 home runs in 75 games. That’s 11 more than he had in 79 games last season!
One of the most reliable hitters and base runners in the majors, Wood has a staggering OPS of .944, up from last season’s .781, . He has already joined Harper, Soto, and former two-time Silver Slugger Ryan Zimmerman as one of four National players in their first or second season to have 80+ hits, 50+ RBIs, 45+ runs, and 20+ home runs.
There’s still much of the season left, and despite his great play, Wood remains humble and knows there’s still a long way to go. “It’s so early, and it is a long season, so I’ve got to stay consistent,” Wood said. “I mean, that’s what makes the good players in the league so good – they stay consistent. That’s really what I’m looking to do.
“I feel more comfortable this year.’ he continued. “I know everyone now and have a better idea of what the major leagues are about, but I have a long way to go.”
Nationals manager and baseball coach Dave Martinez also chimed in on the young sophomore stalwart. “He hits the ball hard, and he’s fun to watch,” Martinez said. “But he isn’t just a power hitter. People don’t realize how fast he is, but he can really get down the line, and when he gets to full speed, he can beat out balls for infield hits.
“He really understands the game,” Martinez wants people to know. “And he’s still very young. He works at his game and really wants to get better. There’s a lot to like about James Wood.”
