Nationals outfielder James Wood brought the lumber to the District last season. Now he’s looking for some hardware.
The Maryland native was named a Silver Slugger finalist on Wednesday.
In his first full season as a major leaguer, Wood slugged a team-high 31 home runs with 94 RBIs and a .256 batting average. After a hot start saw him hit 24 homers before the midseason break, the 23-year-old participated in the All-Star Game and the Home Run Derby.
Wood’s production cooled off as the Nationals limped to the finish line of another disappointing season, but he still led all National League outfielders in doubles with 38. His 31 home runs tied for third in the league at his position.
Though Wood struggled with plate discipline — his 221 strikeouts fell just shy of setting an MLB record — he became a true power threat last season. The former first-round pick recorded an exit velocity above 110 mph 56 times, leading the National League. Fifteen of those hard-hit balls left the park for home runs.
“He’s incredible,” Nationals designated hitter Josh Bell told MLB.com of Wood during the outfielder’s breakout campaign. “It’s not surprising. It seems like it doesn’t matter the field, doesn’t matter the pitch; he’s locked in. And if you make mistakes over the heart of the plate and he gets extended, no ballpark can hold him.”
No National has received a Silver Slugger Award, which goes to the best offensive player at each position, since Juan Soto in 2020 and 2021.
Wood is competing against Soto, now a New York Met; Corbin Carroll of the Arizona Diamondbacks; Pete Crow-Armstrong and Kyle Tucker, both of the Chicago Cubs; and Kyle Stowers of the Miami Marlins.
Three outfielders from the National League and three from the American League will receive their Silver Slugger awards on Nov. 6. Louisville Slugger will also honor one player per nonoutfielder position in each league — including utility players — along with presenting a team-centered award.
The American League finalists will be revealed on Thursday.
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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