\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"James Wood has homered three times in the last two days, boosting his Triple-A line to .344/.443/.552 with five blasts and nine steals in 32 games. After the outfielder's strikeout rate jumped to 32 percent last year, he has reduced it to a more palatable 20 percent this spring. Currently ranked No. 12 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, he'll make a nice jump when we reveal our first in-season update on Monday.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2024-05-08T19:00:27.779Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://milb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-05/08/29add7e8-442ef87c-50196985-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Nationals No. 2 prospect James Wood hits 2 home runs for Triple-A Rochester","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:32","slug":"james-wood-s-two-homer-game-x5805","tags":[{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"vod","title":"vod","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"minor-league-baseball","title":"Minor League Baseball","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"120-affiliate","title":"Nationals affiliate","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"imagen-feed","title":"Imagen feed","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-695578","title":"James Wood","person":{"__ref":"Person:695578"},"type":"player"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qtxmdtryrcscjffitovj"},"title":"James Wood's two-homer game","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/james-wood-s-two-homer-game-x5805"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"After Wood's two-homer game on Wednesday, Nationals manager Dave Martinez noted his impressive play but also mentioned that the organization wants to see more progress before considering a big league callup. Martinez cited more at-bats (Wood has 975 in four years as a pro), adjustments to better handle left-handers and improved baserunning as three items on the 21-year-old's to-do list.\n\nDespite middle-of-the-pack production from their outfielders, the Nationals are off to an 18-18 start and are currently tied for the final spot in what should be a wide-open National League Wild Card race. They're still more of a longshot for the playoffs than a true contender, so I see them giving Wood plenty of time to develop. He probably won't surface until mid-August unless Washington makes a stronger run at the postseason.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
Who is the best prep pitcher in the upcoming draft, and who are some prep players who could go higher than currently expected?
\n\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Two questions in one! But I have a full-blown case of Draft fever, so I'll allow it.\n\nCatholic HS (Baton Rouge, La.) right-hander William Schmidt has a high-spin curveball that ranks as the best in the Draft, sits in the mid-90s and touches 99 with his fastball and shows some feel for a sinking changeup. He generates his premium stuff with ease and provides plenty of strikes, and that total package makes him the best high school pitching prospect this spring. Saguaro HS (Scottsdale, Ariz.) left-hander Cam Caminiti, York HS (Elmhurst, Ill.) righty Ryan Sloan and Elk City (Okla.) HS southpaw Kash Mayfield are three more prep arms who could factor into the first round.\n\n* Subscribe to the MLB Pipeline Newsletter","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2024-04-15T19:32:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-04/25/0cc3ed90-aab9535b-91f1f47e-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"William Schmidt, a right-handed pitcher from Catholic High School, is expected to be selected in the 2024 MLB Draft","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:49","slug":"2024-draft-william-schmidt-rhp","tags":[{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"vod","title":"vod","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-draft","title":"MLB Draft","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"alexa","title":"alexa","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-815537","title":"William Schmidt","person":{"__ref":"Person:815537"},"type":"player"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/isxnffmp84ld770afqpl"},"title":"2024 Draft: William Schmidt, RHP","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/2024-draft-william-schmidt-rhp"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Teams prefer to pay prep pitchers over-slot bonuses with later picks to taking them in the first round, so Schmidt, Caminiti, Sloan and Mayfield are more likely to go lower than where their talent dictates. And this year's high school class is one of the weakest in recent memory, so we probably won't see many prepsters pushed up boards.\n\nWestlake HS (Austin, Texas) infielder Theo Gillen is acclaimed as the best high school hitter, so maybe he moves up into the middle of the first round. Perhaps athletic Millard West HS (Omaha, Neb.) shortstop Tyson Lewis climbs into the supplemental first round. Oxford (Ala.) HS shortstop Carter Johnson and Freedom HS (South Riding, Va.) outfielder Griffin Burkholder could go earlier than their consensus projections, which have Johnson as a second-rounder and Burkholder as a third-rounder.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**This is the complete list of college first basemen drafted in the top 20 picks in the last 20 years: Matt LaPorta (seventh) in 2005; Yonder Alonso (seventh), Justin Smoak (11th), Brett Wallace (13th), David Cooper (17th) and Ike Davis (18th) in 2008; C.J. Cron (17th) in 2011; Casey Gillaspie (20th) in 2014; Pavin Smith (seventh) and Evan White (17th) in 2017; Andrew Vaughn (third) in 2019; Spencer Torkelson (first) in 2020; and Nolan Schanuel (11th) in 2023. Wallace and Torkelson technically were drafted as third basemen, but we all knew they were destined for first base. What's the difference between Jac Caglianone and Nick Kurtz and the rest of this list that they'd be worth a top-10 pick?**\n\n**\\-\\- Tim H., Salt Lake City**","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"That's 13 first basemen and not much return on investment. Cron has produced the highest bWAR (12.4) and OPS (.791) among the group and he, Alonso and Smoak are the only ones to make an All-Star Game (one each). The two highest picks are Torkelson, whom the industry regarded as the best college offensive prospect in years, and Vaughn, who was in the same conversation. Neither has come close to meeting expectations yet.\n\nBased on their prospect status at the time, Torkelson would rank first, followed by the lefty-hitting Caglianone and Kurtz over the righty-swinging Vaughn. While the recent track record of taking first basemen in the Draft is frightening, you have to evaluate each class on its own merits.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2024-04-25T16:33:19.201Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"https://mlb-cuts-diamond.mlb.com/FORGE/2024/2024-04/25/4b848a48-7d443067-09365a4b-csvm-diamondx64-asset_1280x720_59_4000K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Jac Caglianone chats with the MLB Central crew on his 9 game home run streak, being a two-way player, and more","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:04:04","slug":"jac-caglianone-joins-mlb-central","tags":[{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"vod","title":"vod","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-draft","title":"MLB Draft","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlbn-mlb-central","title":"MLB Central","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-network","title":"MLB Network","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/y0v49grzlbunhmpur9i9"},"title":"Jac Caglianone joins MLB Central","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/jac-caglianone-joins-mlb-central"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Caglianone and Kurtz are two of the five best talents in 2024 and should be drafted accordingly. Caglianone's raw power is impressive, especially combined with his eight percent strikeout rate, even if he does chase more pitches than is desired. Kurtz's combination of pop and patience is pretty rare.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"OEmbed","html":"
Is the buzz surrounding Phillies prospect George Klassen Legit???
\n\n\n","providerName":"Twitter","providerUrl":"https://twitter.com","thumbnail_url":null,"type":"oembed","width":550,"contentType":"rich"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"Klassen had the quickest arm in the 2024 Draft, producing fastballs that averaged 98 mph and regularly reached triple digits while also flashing plus breaking stuff. But he also had hit-the-bull control and enjoyed little success in college at Minnesota, where he missed his first season following Tommy John surgery and posted a 6.72 ERA with 61 walks in 54 1/3 innings over the next two. That's why he lasted until the Phillies selected him in the sixth round last July.\n\nKlassen has looked like a different guy this spring. He's not throwing across his body as much and he has been much more consistent, pounding the strike zone with his fastball and curveball and getting chases with his slider without losing any power. He recorded a 0.36 ERA in his first five Single-A starts, holding opponents to a .119 average with a 39/8 K/BB ratio in 25 innings.\n\nKlassen has legitimate frontline starter stuff provided he can harness it. He left his last start a week ago with a right shoulder issue, though the Phillies don't believe it's serious.","type":"text"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/pipeline-inbox-how-close-is-nationals-james-wood-to-the-show","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"Happy Paul Skenes Eve, everyone! Let's get to your questions ...\n- MLB Pipeline | Top 100 prospects | Prospect video","tagline({\"formatString\":\"none\"})":null,"tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"storytype-article","title":"Article","type":"article"},{"__typename":"ContributorTag","slug":"jim-callis","title":"Jim Callis","type":"contributor"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-draft","title":"MLB Draft","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"apple-news","title":"Apple News","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"mlb-top-prospects","title":"MLB Top Prospects","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-695578","title":"James Wood","person":{"__ref":"Person:695578"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"minor-league-baseball","title":"Minor League Baseball","type":"taxonomy"}],"type":"story","thumbnail":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/upload/{formatInstructions}/mlb/azwokpkolzixgcfw4aul","title":"Pipeline Inbox: How close is Nationals James Wood to The Show?"},"getHeaderFromForgePath({\"contentSource\":\"MLB\",\"headerPath\":\"/_navs/header/mlb/global-nav\",\"paletteKey\":\"mlb-base-palette\",\"propertiesKey\":\"mlb-global-properties\"})":{"__typename":"Header","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","placement":"right","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Offseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB.TV Partners","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Link Account","linkUrl":"live-stream-games/partners?&affiliateId=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENUtv","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Tickets","linkUrl":"/all-star/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1721167200;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB at Rickwood Field","linkUrl":"/events/rickwood/tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1718924400;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Spring Training","linkUrl":"/tickets/spring-training","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"expires:1711511940;"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=1&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Sell on SeatGeek","linkUrl":"https://seatgeek.com/sell/mlb-tickets?aid=15994&pid=integration&rid=15&utm_medium=partnership&utm_source=mlb_sponsorship&utm_campaign=integration","linkTarget":"_blank","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Season Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/season-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Single Game Tickets","linkUrl":"/schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Group Tickets","linkUrl":"/tickets/group-tickets","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Special Ticket Offers","linkUrl":"/tickets/fan-value","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"VIP Ticket Packages","linkUrl":"/tickets/on-location-experiences","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Students","linkUrl":"/tickets/students","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Tourism","linkUrl":"/tourism","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB World Tour","linkUrl":"/international/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Ticket Terms & Conditions","linkUrl":"/tickets/terms-and-conditions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;","icon":"shopping-cart","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Online Shop","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/?_s=bm-mlbcom-hp","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Auction","linkUrl":"https://auctions.mlb.com/iSynApp/showHomePage.action?sid=1101001&isynsharedsession=9mislq-18JnZhOEp-FeGzvUB3G6zxwkeKqwX99MKAttEdaSACl02r4aCDzYhNvUm","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Gift Cards","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbshop.com/gift-cards/x-462351+z-94899005-3509039474?_s=bm-mlbcom-Home","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB NYC Flagship Store","linkUrl":"/shop/nyc-retail-store","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"European Shop","linkUrl":"http://www.mlbshopeurope.com/stores/mlb/en?portal=MLTS66FS&CMP=PSC-MLTS66FS","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":""},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Photo Store","linkUrl":"https://photostore.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"News","linkUrl":"/news","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Rule Changes","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/rule-changes-2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Probable Pitchers","linkUrl":"/probable-pitchers/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Starting Lineups","linkUrl":"/starting-lineups","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Transactions","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/transactions","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Injury Report","linkUrl":"/injury-report","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"World Baseball Classic","linkUrl":"/world-baseball-classic","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Draft","linkUrl":"/draft/2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"All-Star Game","linkUrl":"/all-star/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Life","linkUrl":"/fans/mlb-life","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Pipeline","linkUrl":"https://www.mlb.com/pipeline","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Postseason History","linkUrl":"/postseason/history","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Great Stories","linkUrl":"/news/topic/longform","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Podcasts","linkUrl":"/fans/podcasts","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Watch","linkUrl":"/tv?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"Video","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Search","linkUrl":"/video","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast","linkUrl":"/video/topic/statcast","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Network","linkUrl":"/network","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]},{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":"MLB.TV","navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Buy MLB.TV Postseason Package","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/subscribe?&affiliateId=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Watch & Listen","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Help Center","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/help-center?&affiliateID=mlbMENU","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Scores","linkUrl":"/scores","placement":"mobile","visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;mobile:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Schedule","linkUrl":"/postseason","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2023 Postseason Recap","linkUrl":"/postseason/history/2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Regular Season","linkUrl":"/schedule/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2024 Postseason","linkUrl":"/postseason","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"2025 Spring Training","linkUrl":"/schedule/2025-02-20","linkTarget":null,"visible":"true","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Events","linkUrl":"/events","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team by Team Schedule","linkUrl":"/schedule/team-by-team","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"National Broadcasts","linkUrl":"/live-stream-games/national-broadcast-schedule","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"mobile:true;amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Stats","linkUrl":"/stats","placement":"mobile","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Statcast Leaders","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/statcast_leaderboard","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Statcast","linkUrl":"/statcast","linkTarget":"","visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Baseball Savant","linkUrl":"https://baseballsavant.mlb.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Top Prospect Stats","linkUrl":"/prospects/stats/top-prospects?type=all&minPA=1","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Standings","linkUrl":"/standings/wild-card","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Youth","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Play Ball","linkUrl":"/play-ball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Youth Baseball & Softball","linkUrl":"/youth-baseball-softball","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"","icon":"group","linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Players","linkUrl":"/players","placement":null,"visible":"true","subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Prospect Rankings","linkUrl":"/prospects","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Depth Charts","linkUrl":"/team/roster/depth-chart","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"MLB Players Association","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbplayers.com","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Negro Leagues","linkUrl":"/history/negro-leagues","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":null,"icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"MLB Play","linkUrl":"/play","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Beat the Streak","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=BeatTheStreak2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Immaculate Grid","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ImmaculateGrid2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Trivia","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=SporcleTrivia2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Pickle","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Pickle2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"By the Numbers","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=ByTheNumbers2022","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Diamond Decisions","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=DiamondDecisions2024","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Bingo","linkUrl":"/play?gameId=Bingo2023","linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":null}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"expires:1720022400;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Vote","linkUrl":"/all-star/ballot?affiliateId=asb-topnav-mlb-2024","placement":null,"visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"amp:true;module:teammodule;align:right;","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"Teams","linkUrl":"/team","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"Team Module","linkUrl":null,"linkTarget":null,"visible":null,"icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"module:teammodule;"}]}]},{"__typename":"NavItem","customPropertiesString":"align:right;lang:es;label:Español","icon":null,"linkTarget":null,"linkText":"ES","linkUrl":"/es","placement":"right","visible":null,"subNav":[{"__typename":"SubnavColumn","title":null,"navigation":[{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"日本語","linkUrl":"http://www.mlb.jp/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ja"},{"__typename":"NavItem","placement":null,"linkText":"한국어","linkUrl":"https://www.mlbkor.com/","linkTarget":null,"visible":"false","icon":null,"tooltip":null,"customPropertiesString":"lang:ko"}]}]}],"cfPalette":{"__typename":"CF_Palette","headerMastheadBackgroundColor":"#002D72","headerMastheadTextColor":"#ffffff","headerNavigationBackgroundColor":"#041E42","headerNavigationBorderColor":"#057AFF","headerNavigationTextColorHover":"#ffffff","headerNavigationTextColor":"#ffffff"},"cfWebProperties":{"__typename":"CF_WebProperties","urlLogo":null,"headerMastheadTagline":null,"headerPrimaryLogo":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadSponsorImage":{"__typename":"CF_Asset","url":null,"description":null},"headerMastheadTaglineContainerWidth":"512px","headerMastheadTaglineContainerHeight":"56px"}},"getTeamsBySportId({\"ids\":[1]})":[{"__ref":"Team:133"},{"__ref":"Team:134"},{"__ref":"Team:135"},{"__ref":"Team:136"},{"__ref":"Team:137"},{"__ref":"Team:138"},{"__ref":"Team:139"},{"__ref":"Team:140"},{"__ref":"Team:141"},{"__ref":"Team:142"},{"__ref":"Team:143"},{"__ref":"Team:144"},{"__ref":"Team:145"},{"__ref":"Team:146"},{"__ref":"Team:147"},{"__ref":"Team:158"},{"__ref":"Team:108"},{"__ref":"Team:109"},{"__ref":"Team:110"},{"__ref":"Team:111"},{"__ref":"Team:112"},{"__ref":"Team:113"},{"__ref":"Team:114"},{"__ref":"Team:115"},{"__ref":"Team:116"},{"__ref":"Team:117"},{"__ref":"Team:118"},{"__ref":"Team:119"},{"__ref":"Team:120"},{"__ref":"Team:121"}]},"Person:695578":{"__typename":"Person","id":695578},"Person:815537":{"__typename":"Person","id":815537},"Division:200":{"__typename":"Division","id":"200"},"Team:133":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":133,"name":"Athletics","shortName":"Athletics","teamName":"Athletics"},"Division:205":{"__typename":"Division","id":"205"},"Team:134":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":134,"name":"Pittsburgh Pirates","shortName":"Pittsburgh","teamName":"Pirates"},"Division:203":{"__typename":"Division","id":"203"},"Team:135":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":135,"name":"San Diego Padres","shortName":"San Diego","teamName":"Padres"},"Team:136":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":136,"name":"Seattle Mariners","shortName":"Seattle","teamName":"Mariners"},"Team:137":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":137,"name":"San Francisco Giants","shortName":"San Francisco","teamName":"Giants"},"Team:138":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":138,"name":"St. Louis Cardinals","shortName":"St. Louis","teamName":"Cardinals"},"Division:201":{"__typename":"Division","id":"201"},"Team:139":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":139,"name":"Tampa Bay Rays","shortName":"Tampa Bay","teamName":"Rays"},"Team:140":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":140,"name":"Texas Rangers","shortName":"Texas","teamName":"Rangers"},"Team:141":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":141,"name":"Toronto Blue Jays","shortName":"Toronto","teamName":"Blue Jays"},"Division:202":{"__typename":"Division","id":"202"},"Team:142":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":142,"name":"Minnesota Twins","shortName":"Minnesota","teamName":"Twins"},"Division:204":{"__typename":"Division","id":"204"},"Team:143":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":143,"name":"Philadelphia Phillies","shortName":"Philadelphia","teamName":"Phillies"},"Team:144":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":144,"name":"Atlanta Braves","shortName":"Atlanta","teamName":"Braves"},"Team:145":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":145,"name":"Chicago White Sox","shortName":"Chi White Sox","teamName":"White Sox"},"Team:146":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":146,"name":"Miami Marlins","shortName":"Miami","teamName":"Marlins"},"Team:147":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":147,"name":"New York Yankees","shortName":"NY Yankees","teamName":"Yankees"},"Team:158":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":158,"name":"Milwaukee Brewers","shortName":"Milwaukee","teamName":"Brewers"},"Team:108":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":108,"name":"Los Angeles Angels","shortName":"LA Angels","teamName":"Angels"},"Team:109":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":109,"name":"Arizona Diamondbacks","shortName":"Arizona","teamName":"D-backs"},"Team:110":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":110,"name":"Baltimore Orioles","shortName":"Baltimore","teamName":"Orioles"},"Team:111":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:201"},"id":111,"name":"Boston Red Sox","shortName":"Boston","teamName":"Red Sox"},"Team:112":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":112,"name":"Chicago Cubs","shortName":"Chi Cubs","teamName":"Cubs"},"Team:113":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:205"},"id":113,"name":"Cincinnati Reds","shortName":"Cincinnati","teamName":"Reds"},"Team:114":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":114,"name":"Cleveland Guardians","shortName":"Cleveland","teamName":"Guardians"},"Team:115":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":115,"name":"Colorado Rockies","shortName":"Colorado","teamName":"Rockies"},"Team:116":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":116,"name":"Detroit Tigers","shortName":"Detroit","teamName":"Tigers"},"Team:117":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:200"},"id":117,"name":"Houston Astros","shortName":"Houston","teamName":"Astros"},"Team:118":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:202"},"id":118,"name":"Kansas City Royals","shortName":"Kansas City","teamName":"Royals"},"Team:119":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:203"},"id":119,"name":"Los Angeles Dodgers","shortName":"LA Dodgers","teamName":"Dodgers"},"Team:120":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":120,"name":"Washington Nationals","shortName":"Washington","teamName":"Nationals"},"Team:121":{"__typename":"Team","division":{"__ref":"Division:204"},"id":121,"name":"New York Mets","shortName":"NY Mets","teamName":"Mets"}}}
window.adobeAnalytics = {"reportingSuiteId":"mlbglobal08,mlbcom08","linkInternalFilters":"mlb"}
window.globalState = {"tracking_title":"Major League Baseball","lang":"en"}
window.appId = ''
/*-->*/
James Wood has homered three times in the last two days, boosting his Triple-A line to .344/.443/.552 with five blasts and nine steals in 32 games. After the outfielder's strikeout rate jumped to 32 percent last year, he has reduced it to a more palatable 20 percent this spring. Currently ranked No. 12 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, he'll make a nice jump when we reveal our first in-season update on Monday.
After Wood's two-homer game on Wednesday, Nationals manager Dave Martinez noted his impressive play but also mentioned that the organization wants to see more progress before considering a big league callup. Martinez cited more at-bats (Wood has 975 in four years as a pro), adjustments to better handle left-handers and improved baserunning as three items on the 21-year-old's to-do list.
Despite middle-of-the-pack production from their outfielders, the Nationals are off to an 18-18 start and are currently tied for the final spot in what should be a wide-open National League Wild Card race. They're still more of a longshot for the playoffs than a true contender, so I see them giving Wood plenty of time to develop. He probably won't surface until mid-August unless Washington makes a stronger run at the postseason.
Who is the best prep pitcher in the upcoming draft, and who are some prep players who could go higher than currently expected?
Two questions in one! But I have a full-blown case of Draft fever, so I'll allow it.
Catholic HS (Baton Rouge, La.) right-hander William Schmidt has a high-spin curveball that ranks as the best in the Draft, sits in the mid-90s and touches 99 with his fastball and shows some feel for a sinking changeup. He generates his premium stuff with ease and provides plenty of strikes, and that total package makes him the best high school pitching prospect this spring. Saguaro HS (Scottsdale, Ariz.) left-hander Cam Caminiti, York HS (Elmhurst, Ill.) righty Ryan Sloan and Elk City (Okla.) HS southpaw Kash Mayfield are three more prep arms who could factor into the first round.
Teams prefer to pay prep pitchers over-slot bonuses with later picks to taking them in the first round, so Schmidt, Caminiti, Sloan and Mayfield are more likely to go lower than where their talent dictates. And this year's high school class is one of the weakest in recent memory, so we probably won't see many prepsters pushed up boards.
Westlake HS (Austin, Texas) infielder Theo Gillen is acclaimed as the best high school hitter, so maybe he moves up into the middle of the first round. Perhaps athletic Millard West HS (Omaha, Neb.) shortstop Tyson Lewis climbs into the supplemental first round. Oxford (Ala.) HS shortstop Carter Johnson and Freedom HS (South Riding, Va.) outfielder Griffin Burkholder could go earlier than their consensus projections, which have Johnson as a second-rounder and Burkholder as a third-rounder.
This is the complete list of college first basemen drafted in the top 20 picks in the last 20 years: Matt LaPorta (seventh) in 2005; Yonder Alonso (seventh), Justin Smoak (11th), Brett Wallace (13th), David Cooper (17th) and Ike Davis (18th) in 2008; C.J. Cron (17th) in 2011; Casey Gillaspie (20th) in 2014; Pavin Smith (seventh) and Evan White (17th) in 2017; Andrew Vaughn (third) in 2019; Spencer Torkelson (first) in 2020; and Nolan Schanuel (11th) in 2023. Wallace and Torkelson technically were drafted as third basemen, but we all knew they were destined for first base. What's the difference between Jac Caglianone and Nick Kurtz and the rest of this list that they'd be worth a top-10 pick?
-- Tim H., Salt Lake City
That's 13 first basemen and not much return on investment. Cron has produced the highest bWAR (12.4) and OPS (.791) among the group and he, Alonso and Smoak are the only ones to make an All-Star Game (one each). The two highest picks are Torkelson, whom the industry regarded as the best college offensive prospect in years, and Vaughn, who was in the same conversation. Neither has come close to meeting expectations yet.
Based on their prospect status at the time, Torkelson would rank first, followed by the lefty-hitting Caglianone and Kurtz over the righty-swinging Vaughn. While the recent track record of taking first basemen in the Draft is frightening, you have to evaluate each class on its own merits.
Caglianone and Kurtz are two of the five best talents in 2024 and should be drafted accordingly. Caglianone's raw power is impressive, especially combined with his eight percent strikeout rate, even if he does chase more pitches than is desired. Kurtz's combination of pop and patience is pretty rare.
Is the buzz surrounding Phillies prospect George Klassen Legit???
Klassen had the quickest arm in the 2024 Draft, producing fastballs that averaged 98 mph and regularly reached triple digits while also flashing plus breaking stuff. But he also had hit-the-bull control and enjoyed little success in college at Minnesota, where he missed his first season following Tommy John surgery and posted a 6.72 ERA with 61 walks in 54 1/3 innings over the next two. That's why he lasted until the Phillies selected him in the sixth round last July.
Klassen has looked like a different guy this spring. He's not throwing across his body as much and he has been much more consistent, pounding the strike zone with his fastball and curveball and getting chases with his slider without losing any power. He recorded a 0.36 ERA in his first five Single-A starts, holding opponents to a .119 average with a 39/8 K/BB ratio in 25 innings.
Klassen has legitimate frontline starter stuff provided he can harness it. He left his last start a week ago with a right shoulder issue, though the Phillies don't believe it's serious.