James Wood, top Nationals prospect, soars, steals, swings for Red Wings
The catch. The steal. And of course, the big swings.
Entering this week's six-game home series against Toledo, James Wood continues to showcase his emerging skills — talent that may soon send the Nationals' No. 2 prospect from Rochester to the big leagues.
First, the catch.
Last Thursday, Wood tracked down a shot to center field, utilizing his 6-foot-6 frame to stretch out at the last second and make a diving catch. His effort more than impressed the game's broadcasters.
"A line drive towards left center field... Wood cutting over... He dives... AND HE HAULS IT IN! ROBS EATON OF A BASE HIT!”
“Nice play.”
Two days later, Wood stole three bases.
And now, the big swings.
Also last Thursday, Wood, a left-handed hitter, enjoyed his best day yet in Triple-A, collecting four hits, including two home runs and a double. Hitting second in the lineup, he finished the game 4-for-5.
The game marked Wood's second multi-homer game as a pro. It also marked the fourth time he collected four hits in a game.
Through the first 12 games in Triple-A, all in Rochester, he's hitting .370 with five RBI. No wonder earlier this winter, Baseball America writers placed Wood, 22, on their list of the best rookie bets for 2024.
The San Diego Padres selected Wood with the 62nd pick of the 2021 Major League Baseball draft. He opened the 2022 season with the Lake Elsinore Storm of the Single-A California League before being traded to the Nationals — part of a deal in exchange for Juan Soto and Josh Bell.
No doubt, Wood, who hails from a college basketball family — his father, uncle and sister played Division I hoops — has the athleticism to reach the Majors. His time in Rochester, though, offers a final testing ground. More swings to prepare the sport’s top level of competition.
Starting Tuesday, Wood is poised to face two of the top arms in the Detroit Tigers’ organization. Right-hander Keider Montero RHP — ranked No. 8 in the organization by MLB.com — has collected 16 strikeouts in three starts this season (12 innings). At No. 9, right-hander Wilmer De Jesus Flores has appeared in five games (8.1 innings) with a 6.48 ERA.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: James Wood, Nationals prospect, breaking out for Rochester Red Wings
