Who is James Wood? Looking at Nationals' young prospect call up set to debut against Mets

Washington Nationals prospect James Wood is set to make his MLB debut next week. The talented outfielder is expected to play after the weekend when the Nationals return home for a series with the New York Mets. The baseball world has awaited his arrival and it is finally almost here.

Grant Paulsen reported on X, formerly known as Twitter:

"James Wood will be called up to debut in DC with the Nats on Monday. The long wait is over. Wood will play his first big league game against the Mets at Nats Park in three days. One of the best prospects in baseball, Wood is hitting .346 with a 1.036 OPS in Triple-A."

Wood represents the biggest part of the Nationals future. After they won the World Series in 2019, they fell off and began a rebuild. If they're to get back to that level, much of it hinges on Wood and his ability to translate to the MLB level. Here's what we know about him.

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All about James Wood before his MLB debut

James Wood was viewed as the centerpiece of the Juan Soto trade. When the Nationals did the almost unthinkable and sent their budding superstar to the San Diego Padres, Wood was the key player they got back.

The other two big-ticket prospects that San Diego parted with are already at the MLB level. MacKenzie Gore is having a very good season as a starting pitcher and CJ Abrams has been the Nationals' shortstop for a little while now. Soon, Wood will join them and they'll reap the rewards of their big trade.

James Wood is making his MLB debut this Monday (Imagn)

Wood was initially drafted in the second round of the MLB Draft in 2021. He has spent the full season in Triple-A, where he's slashing .346/.458/.578 and has 10 home runs, 34 RBIs and 10 stolen bases.

The outfielder is their number-one prospect, even ranked ahead of last year's second-overall pick Dylan Crews. Wood is baseball's number three prospect, just behind Jackson Holliday and Junior Caminero.

Wood is not yet 22 years old. He was drafted out of high school at 19 years old and has quickly made his way through the farm system and has forced the Nationals to finally call him up.