James Wood, the Washington Nationals’ top prospect, will make his major league debut Monday at Nationals Park.
Wood, 21, was born in Rockville and grew up in Olney. He played baseball and basketball at St. John’s College High School in Washington D.C. before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL.
The 6-foot-7 rookie batted .353 with 10 home runs and 37 RBI at AAA Rochester before getting called up. He will play left field, wear #50 and bat sixth in his debut against the New York Mets.
are you in the right headspace to receive content of James Wood greeting the boys pic.twitter.com/cduf9IEjH5
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 1, 2024
ladies and gentlemen, number 5⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/pQjC4IjpGj
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 1, 2024
In front of a large pregame media contingent, Wood said “It’s unreal. I mean just being able to play for the team I grew up around and watching. It’s a blessing…I’m still soaking it all in.”
Asked about Wood becoming the face of the franchise, Nats manager Davey Martinez downplayed the expectations saying “I don’t want him to be THE guy, I want him to be A guy.”
The first 10,000 fans attending the game will get “Welcome to the Show” t-shirts commemorating Wood’s debut.
The Nats obtained Wood from the San Diego Padres as part of the Juan Soto/Josh Bell trade in 2022.
The Nats are 38-43, considered slightly ahead of the pace expected for a rebuilding team. Wood is expected to provide help for an offense that has struggled scoring runs.
