As the injured Nationals face the Angels on June 27, 2025, James Wood's historic season (22 HR, 61 RBI) provides a massive boost. Can he carry the team?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Even as the Washington Nationals' injury report grows longer than a CVS receipt, one star is shining brighter than ever. James Wood, the crown jewel of the Juan Soto trade, is putting on an absolute clinic this season, providing a massive silver lining as the team heads to Anaheim for a weekend series against the Angels.
James Wood is one of only six major leaguers with at least 20 homers and 60 RBI so far this season.
Let's just take a moment to appreciate what we're witnessing. James Wood is not just having a good season; he's having a legitimate, All-Star-caliber, franchise-cornerstone breakout year. Slashing .284/.379/.569 with a staggering 22 home runs, 61 RBI, and nine stolen bases, Wood has become the most feared bat in the Nationals lineup. His performance isn't just great for a young player; it's elite. He's in the company of the league's best, proving that the front office hit a grand slam in the Soto deal. Every at-bat is must-see TV, and he's the biggest reason for optimism in D.C. right now.
While Wood provides the fireworks, the team as a whole is navigating choppy waters. The Nats limp into Angel Stadium with a M*A*S*H unit's worth of injuries. Key players like Dylan Crews (oblique), Keibert Ruiz (head), and Paul DeJong (orbital) are all sidelined, decimating the lineup's depth. The pitching staff is also feeling the pain, with Davidjohn Herz and Josiah Gray on the shelf with elbow issues. This helps explain the team's struggles, ranking 28th in MLB with a 4.96 ERA. Tonight, Jake Irvin (6-3, 4.18 ERA) gets the tough task of facing the Angels and their starter José Soriano (5-5, 3.39 ERA) as the Nats try to overcome the odds.
Looking beyond the current big-league roster, the future of the pitching staff is taking shape in the minors. The organization is buzzing about its crop of hard-throwing arms. Towering right-handers Travis Sykora and Jarlin Susana are turning heads with their professional preparation and triple-digit fastballs. Meanwhile, Alex Clemmey, the lefty acquired in the Lane Thomas trade, is showing flashes of brilliance despite some early command struggles. The focus on developing these power arms shows a clear strategy: build the next great Nationals rotation from within.
It's a tough road ahead for the injury-plagued Nats, but with James Wood leading the charge and a pipeline of high-octane arms on the way, there's still plenty to be excited about. All eyes will be on Anaheim this weekend to see if this resilient squad can steal a series on the West Coast. Tune in tonight!
