James Wood has continued his tear of a season by knocking two home runs days ago to reach 30 home runs on the season. He is going to be the focal point of this franchise for years to come, and this is just a preview of what is to come for the 23-year-old. He might not be Juan Soto, but Wood is a breakout young star in the game of baseball. Today, we will review his 30-home run season and what to expect going forward from the young man who has been one of the lone positives in this franchise this season.
James Wood Hits 30 Home Runs
On Wednesday, James Wood knocked two more home runs against the Atlanta Braves. Both of these home runs traveled over 400 feet (445 FT, 436 FT). These home runs came off of Bryce Elder, and Tyler Kinley, respectively. Interestingly enough, Wood also hit a 416-Yard shot the day before and he now has three home runs in his last two games where he had not him one since September 2nd.
With his successful series in Atlanta, Wood became just the second player in Nationals history to hit at least 30 homers and steal at least 15 bases in a single season, joining Alfonso Soriano.
With his 29th and 30th home runs today, James Wood joins Alfonso Soriano as the only Nationals (2005-pres.) to hit 30 home runs and steal 15 bases in a season.
— Nationals Communications (@NationalsComms) September 24, 2025
Season-In-Review
Wood's fangraphs sheet is very attractive to the eye. He is not (yet) elite status, but as a young star, he may be. Wood has a batting average of .256 with a OBP of .352 and SLG of .475 . Wood also has an elite BABIP of .350, meaning if you are pitching against him, do not let him make contact. Per Fangraphs, Wood has an offensive rating of 21.6, a respectable 27th best in MLB. This rates ahead of Elly De La Cruz, Nico Hoerner, and Mike Trout.
The glaring weakness in his game is similar to that of Juan Soto. Wood has a defensive rating of -11.6 this season, leading people to wonder if he should play even more DH. The Nationals have outfield depth, so they certainly can do so.
Month-by-Month
Wood did have a sporadic season. He started off very strong, batting .250, .330, and .269 through April, May, June respectively. He then batted .188 in July, but has come right back up ever since, batting .244 over the last two months. Wood has some improvements that he can make, and as a young prospect, I am sure that he may. It will be interesting to see who the Nationals hire as their new manager as they will be tasked with turning Wood into a true superstar.
2026 Outlook
The expectations for Wood going forward are quite clear. He must become the face of this franchise. The team also has MacKenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, Dylan Crews among others, but Wood is primed to be the best of them all given his age and success. I will set some early goals for Wood: .275 BA, .875 OPS, 35 Home Runs, 20 SB.
Can he do it? Let me know on X @Jetbets17.