Olney native James Wood is Nats’ top prospect set for MLB debut

Washington Nationals top prospect James Wood will make his major league debut Monday at Nationals Park.

Wood, 21, was born in Rockville and raised in Olney. He played baseball and basketball at St. John’s College High School in Washington, D.C. before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

The 6-foot-7 rookie hit .353 with 10 homers and 37 RBIs at Triple-A Rochester before being recalled. He’ll play left field, wear No. 50 and bat sixth in his debut against the New York Mets.

are you in the right frame of mind to receive the content of james wood greeting the boys pic.twitter.com/cduf9IEjH5

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 1, 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, number 5⃣0⃣ pic.twitter.com/pQjC4IjpGj

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) July 1, 2024

Speaking to a large press scrum before the game, Wood said: “It’s unreal. I mean, just to be able to play for the team that I grew up with and watched. It’s a blessing … I’m still soaking it all in.”

Asked about Wood becoming the face of the franchise, Nats manager Davey Martinez downplayed expectations, saying, “I don’t want him to be THE guy, I want him to be A guy.”

The first 10,000 fans to attend the game will receive T-shirts commemorating Wood’s debut.

The Nats acquired Wood from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto/Josh Bell trade in 2022.

The Nats are 38-43, which is slightly above the expected pace for a rebuilding team. Wood should help an offense that has struggled to score points.