James Wood first since Barry Bonds to see four intentional walks

James Wood was one of the pieces in the haul the Nationals acquired from the San Diego Padres in the Juan Soto trade. CJ Abrams appeared to be the centerpiece in the blockbuster trade, yet Wood had the highest ceiling of the prospects acquired.

In his first full MLB season, the 6-foot-7 Wood has a combination of raw power, plate discipline, and advanced approach metrics that forces teams to load the bases rather than face him one-on-one.

All of Wood’s intentional walks were with at least one runner in scoring position. The first deliberate walk loaded the bases in the fifth inning with one out of a tied game. The Nationals scored on the next plate appearance off Luis Garcia Jr’s fielder choice.

Wood’s second walk occurred in the sixth following a one-run double by Abrams that tied the game at 3-3. The third was in the ninth, with the game tied at 4-4 and Jacob Young on third.

Last, Wood drew an intentional walk in the 11th inning. The Nationals led 7-4 after Abrams ripped a two-run triple. Wood reached base five times in total. However, he did not score a run, as the batters behind him were unable to deliver him home.

James Wood blossoming into power hitter

Still, Wood’s rare feat is remarkable and illustrates how the once-top prospect is becoming a stud at the plate. Following the huge day, Wood is second only to Abrams with a .283 batting average. Yet, Wood leads the team in nearly every other primary offensive stat.

Wood ranks in the top 10 of MLB with 22 home runs, 64 runs batted in, 54 walks, a .386 on-base percentage, and a .552 slugging percentage. His stats make it unthinkable he was not an All-Star finalist among outfielders.

Ironically, Soto is a finalist now with the New York Mets. However, Wood’s stats are very comparable to those of the veteran. Despite the Nationals being in last place in the NL East standings, Wood has stood out as an integral part of the club’s future.

He’s making a name for himself. Judging by the Angels’ treatment Sunday, the rest of MLB is taking notice of James Wood.