RADIO
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.
More Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups
Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]
Kumar Rocker - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday and should be added in all standard leagues. Rocker has had a rocky start to his professional career. He was originally drafted by the New […]
Jasson Dominguez: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25 (2024)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 35% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees called up their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. Dominguez hit sixth and played left field in his second major league start of the season. In that contest, he went 1-for-4 with […]
Will Wagner - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 23)
BALLER MOVE: Use as Streamer for Rest of Season / Stash in Dynasty Leagues CALL-UP ETA: In Majors ANALYSIS: Will Wagner, the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at this year’s trade deadline from the Houston Astros as part of the Yusei Kikuchi return. The 26-year-old currently ranks […]
Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 22)
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: August 19 ANALYSIS: Connor Norby is finally making his much-anticipated debut for the Miami Marlins. Norby, who was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Trevor Rogers to Baltimore, was playing with Miami's Triple-A team in Jacksonville since being traded but was activated by Miami […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!
