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Roughly only a year removed from beginning his 2023 season at the High-A level, Washington Nationals top prospect James Wood was knocking on the door of his big-league call-up. Only a hamstring issue that has kept him sidelined since May 23 could stand in his way.
Indeed, Wood has been out for nearly the past month but returned to Triple-A Rochester's lineup on Tuesday, uniting himself with another top Nationals prospect, Dylan Crews, who was promoted from Double-A Harrisburg on Tuesday. It sure is an exciting time in Rochester, but the Wood/Crews outfield combination likely won't last if the former picks up where he left off at the plate in late May.
Let's dive into Wood's prospect status when he might get a big-league call-up, and what his fantasy potential is for the remainder of the 2024 season.
How High Is James Wood's Fantasy Potential?
Forget that he is just 21 years old; Wood has the tools that are ready to contribute in Washington right now.
In the 2023 season, he split his time between High-A and Double-A, combining to hit 26 home runs alongside 18 stolen bases (on 21 attempts) with a .873 OPS across 129 games played. Of course, that type of production earned him a spot with Rochester to begin the 2024 season, one he has clearly taken full advantage of.
JAMES WOOD TWO-HOMER GAME pic.twitter.com/3nzSOxxMUN
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 8, 2024
The big leagues are a tough place for even the best of prospects, but Wood appears set to provide plenty of value to redraft and dynasty managers in the 2024 season and beyond.
When Might James Wood Get A Major-League Opportunity?
Wood's return on Tuesday will be closely viewed by many, but fantasy managers will want to keep a close on his hamstring holds up after a month's long absence. He will likely get a few games with Rochester to test out his ailment, and if it holds up, it won't be long before Wood is summoned to the big leagues.
If you’re looking for the best season so far from an elite prospect, James Wood truly stands out.
He’s hitting for average, he’s getting on base, he’s hitting for power and he’s stealing bases ...
(
@RocRedWings)pic.twitter.com/hFuy07RRKd
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) May 21, 2024
The Nationals rank in the bottom 10 in Major League Baseball in average, home runs, runs, OPS, wOBA, and wRC+, just to name a few departments. While they don't boast championship aspirations, there is simply no sense in Wood sitting in the minor leagues any longer.
Add it up, and yes, Wood is a must-stash in any and all formats, and his big-league debut is of the imminent variety.
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