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Nationals Star Reaches Juan Soto Status Amid MLB Season

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 10:43 AM ET

The Washington Nationals haven’t finished above .500 since their 2019 championship season. At 33-46, it doesn’t look like the 2025 team will break that streak, but there’s finally real excitement building in D.C.

Much of that buzz is thanks to 22-year-old outfielder James Wood, who’s putting together a sensational start to his career.

Wood hit another home run Monday night, his 22nd of the season. After the game, MLB posted a stat that has Nationals fans thrilled for the future.

"Most HR through first 162 career games in Nationals/Expos franchise history:
T-1. James Wood, 31 (through 158 games)
T-1. Bryce Harper, 31
T-1. Juan Soto, 31"

Most HR through first 162 career games in Nationals/Expos franchise history:

T-1. James Wood, 31 (through 158 games)
T-1. Bryce Harper, 31
T-1. Juan Soto, 31 pic.twitter.com/YveH44WdPl
— MLB (@MLB) June 24, 2025

Wood played 79 games this season and hit 22 of those 31 home runs. He needs just one more in the next four games to surpass both Harper and Soto, who each hit 31 through their first 162 career games.

The 6-foot-7 left fielder has four home runs in his last five games and drove in four runs Monday night, bringing his season total to 61 RBIs. That ties him with Pete Crow-Armstrong for fourth in the National League.

Wood joined the Nationals on August 2, 2022, as part of the blockbuster trade that sent Juan Soto and Josh Bell to the Padres. Originally a second-round pick by San Diego in the 2021 MLB Draft, Wood has quickly blossomed into one of the most exciting young players in baseball.

Last season, he hit .264 with nine home runs, 41 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases in 79 games. He’s already topped most of those numbers halfway through this season.

Towering and athletic, Wood has a powerful presence at the plate and elite speed on the bases. His blend of power and athleticism is rare, and the Nationals finally have a young cornerstone worth building around.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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