At the 2025 midseason, the Nationals' James Wood is putting on a historic power display, leading MLB in key hard-hit stats. See why his supernova season offers hope.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
We've officially crossed the halfway point of the 2025 season, and while the Washington Nationals' 36-48 record might not scream 'contender,' the feeling around the team is anything but downbeat. Why? Two words: James Wood. The towering rookie isn't just having a good season; he's having a historically powerful one, providing the thunder for an offense that's suddenly found its groove and offering a tantalizing glimpse of a brighter future.
James Wood leads all of MLB with 12 home runs hit harder than 110 MPH and 50 batted balls over 108 MPH, surpassing even Aaron Judge in key hard-hit metrics.
The 36-48 record at the 81-game mark is a stark reality, but it doesn't tell the whole story. The Nats have been a different team recently. Since May 1, they've played winning baseball on the road (13-12), and since June 19, their bats have exploded, ranking second in the National League in home runs. Manager Dave Martinez sees the progress. 'I think, overall... we've been playing a lot better,' he noted before the team's recent series win. This surge, fueled by power, is exactly what the team needs as they look to make the second half of the season much more compelling than the first.
At the center of this offensive renaissance is the team's undisputed first-half MVP, James Wood. His performance has been nothing short of breathtaking. Over his last 15 games, he's slashing an absurd .322/.420/.678 with 6 homers and 18 RBI. He's not just hitting for power; he's hitting with a ferocity the league hasn't seen, leading MLB in several key hard-hit categories. It's not just hype; it's a legitimate, All-Star caliber campaign that has become the must-see event at Nationals Park every single night.
The Nats will look to carry that momentum into tonight's 6:45 PM ET matchup against the visiting Detroit Tigers. It's the perfect opportunity to build on their recent success and start the second half of the season on the right foot. And for fans who want to catch every pitch, there's a new option. The team just announced the launch of MASN+, a direct-to-consumer streaming service for $19.99 a month, allowing in-market fans to stream Nats and Orioles games without a cable subscription. It's a big step forward for broadcast access, just in time to watch the team's biggest star heat up.
With 81 games in the books, the narrative is clear: the record is what it is, but the arrow is pointing up. Led by the phenomenal James Wood and a re-energized lineup, the Nationals have a chance to make this a memorable summer. Tonight's game against the Tigers is the first test of the second half. Let's see if the thunder continues.
