Wood's first homer, big day a glimpse of rising young core

WASHINGTON -- After 51 homers during his career in the Minor Leagues, James Wood's dinger count in the Majors has begun.

In his sixth game with the Nationals, MLB’s No. 2 prospect smashed his first long ball as a Major League ballplayer 103.3 mph off the bat. The Nationals’ youth revolution was on full display in Saturday’s 14-6 win over the Cardinals at Nationals Park, highlighted by Wood’s three-run opposite-field dinger and providing a glimpse of what the future could bring.

“I know he enjoyed it,” Nats shortstop CJ Abrams said. “He was flying around those bases. First home run in the bigs and there’s going to be many more to come.”

Not only did Wood launch a long ball into the stands in left field, but he continued to impress, adding a double and five RBIs to his resume, displaying glimpses of his highly-touted power with his first two extra-base hits.

Following a leadoff home run from Abrams and a three-run shot from Keibert Ruiz in the first inning, the Nationals had momentum with a 4-0 lead. Wood joined the slugfest, besting Cardinals veteran Lance Lynn to extend Washington's lead to 7-0 in the second inning.

“You can’t really start off a game better than that,” Wood said. “From the jump, we had a lot of momentum going.”

Wood tried to keep his excitement contained for as long as he could while he rounded the bases, but it didn’t last long as his smile began to show as he made his way to home plate. Abrams, who scored on the bomb, waited by home plate with a congratulatory hug for Wood. In the dugout, Ildemaro Vargas stood at the top of the steps ready to crown the 6-foot-7 prospect with the Uncle Sam celebratory hat.

The Maryland native’s display of power did not stop there. In his third plate appearance of the day, Wood’s patience at the plate paid dividends. He was able to connect with the seventh pitch from Lynn during a long at-bat, a 94.6 mph fastball, and drove the ball into left field -- with an exit velocity of 104.2 mph -- exactly 50 feet short of where he sent his dinger just one frame earlier. His first career double brought in Abrams and Trey Lipscomb in the third inning.

“He got the big home run for us and then the double when they were starting to make a comeback, so he’s had some good days,” manager Dave Martinez said. “He’s been playing really well since he’s been here. I love his at-bats. He's been very patient. He’s trying to get the ball in the zone, which we’ve talked to him about since Spring Training, so he’s doing well.”

He is the third player age 21 or younger (at the time of the game) in Nats/Expos franchise history with one homer, a double and five RBIs in a game. He joins Victor Robles (Sept. 26, 2018) and Ryan Zimmerman (Aug. 18, 2006). Wood also joins the Giants’ Luis Matos, who accomplished a similar feat (a home run, a double and six RBIs) this season on May 18.

In less than one week in the Majors, Wood has checked off numerous career firsts: first RBI single, first run scored, first stolen base. He has also reached base safely in all six games since his callup on July 1.

Before his Nats debut, Wood had hit .353 with 37 RBIs in 52 games for Triple-A Rochester this season. Wood hit a combined 26 homers across two Minor League levels in 2023. His approach in the big leagues? He said he would continue what he had been doing in Triple-A.

“‘Keep doing what got you here and all that,’” the prospect said. “I was just trying to focus on what I can control and trust my work and trust my process.”

The pieces of the puzzle are falling into place for the Nationals’ youth movement and Martinez is excited for what is to come.

“This is only the beginning of what we’re trying to do here,” Martinez said. “I think our future is bright.”