Nats’ top prospect James Wood promoted to Double A

The Washington Nationals have promoted top prospect James Wood to their Double-A minor league affiliate, the Harrisburg Senators, per Jesse Dougherty of The Washington Post.

The Nationals acquired Wood last July from the San Diego Padres in the blockbuster Juan Soto trade. Wood, 20, was a 2021 second-round draft pick out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.

At 6-foot-6, Wood is the Nationals’ consensus top prospect. His dominance with High Single-A Wilmington may have stamped that label. In 42 games with the Blue Rock this season, Wood hit .293/.392/.580 with eight home runs, 36 RBI, and eight stolen bases. He also drew 26 walks and had nine doubles and five triples.

His recent five-game tear, hitting .474/.565/1.105 with three homers, seven RBI, and four walks in 23 plate appearances, may have enlightened the Nats’ eyes to move him up.

If there is a knock on him, it’s his high strikeout rate. He struck out 49 times at a rate of 27.1% of his 181 plate appearances. Also, the difference in his performance at home against the road is worth keeping an eye on in Harrisburg.

Wood hit .420 with a 1.343 OPS in 22 games at Frawley Stadium. Yet, his numbers dropped significantly in 20 road games to a .145 batting average and .550 OPS. Just one of his eight home runs occurred on the road.

Wood’s estimated arrival to the Majors isn’t until 2025. However, the bump to Double-A boosts the possibility that he could see some action as early as next season.

After seeing him in spring training, the Nats believe Wood will progress rapidly through their farm system.

The Nats are under a rebuild after trading away nearly all their stars from their 2019 World Seris twinning roster. The Soto trade (along with Josh Bell) was the final piece and fetched a haul of prospects. The Nats acquired pitchers MacKenzie Gore and Jarlin Susana. Gore is already at the top of the Nats’ pitching rotation.

Washington also received cornerstone shortstop CJ Abrams, outfielder Robert Hassell, and Wood. That quintet is part of a young nucleus that hopes to bring the Nats back into contention soon.

Except for Victor Robles, the Nats outfield consists of placeholders until the next crop of prospects arrives. Wood will signify the changing of the guard along with Hassell and last year’s first-round pick Elijah Green.