James Wood (Baseball Player)

Early Life and Background

Birth and Upbringing

Born September 17, 2002, in Rockville, Maryland, James Wood attended IMG Academy in Florida, where he honed his skills as a top prospect ahead of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Draft and Entry into Professional Baseball

The San Diego Padres selected Wood in the second round (62nd overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft. He was later traded to the Washington Nationals organization prior to making his MLB debut.

MLB Career with the Washington Nationals

Debut and Position

Wood made his MLB debut on July 1, 2024, and plays primarily as a right fielder for the Nationals.

Performance and Achievements

He recorded his first career inside-the-park grand slam on May 19 and hit a second grand slam during the 2025 season. Entering the 2025 campaign, Wood ranked fifth in wRC+ (153) and eighth in fWAR (3.4) league-wide, positioning him as a strong candidate to join the rare 40-home-run and 20-stolen-base club in a single season Source 7.

Physical Profile and Playing Style

A right-handed batter and thrower, Wood combines power hitting with speed on the basepaths. His advanced metrics are tracked on Baseball-Reference and ESPN.

FAQ

What team does James Wood play for?
James Wood is an outfielder for the Washington Nationals in Major League Baseball.

When did James Wood make his MLB debut?
He made his MLB debut on July 1, 2024.

What notable achievements has James Wood accomplished?
He has hit two career grand slams, including an inside-the-park grand slam, and is on pace for a potential 40-20 season.

Where was James Wood drafted from?
He was drafted out of IMG Academy by the San Diego Padres in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

How old is James Wood?
Born September 17, 2002, James Wood is currently 23 years old.

Is James Wood the same person as actor James Woods?
No. James Wood (baseball) is a professional baseball player, while James Woods is a veteran actor born in 1947.