Nationals' James Wood leading off with record-breaking power

The MLB’s All-Star break could end up inconveniencing James Wood. The streaking Washington Nationals‘ right fielder may be in line to experience Philadelphia‘s pomp and circumstance Monday and Tuesday, but it likely was tough halting the regular-season grind.

After establishing a franchise record with his 10th leadoff home run Sunday at Nationals Park, Wood continues to discover his power niche. All 28 of his franchise-best first-half homers have come while batting leadoff.

His homer off New York Yankees starter Will Warren snapped a franchise tie with Alfonso Soriano, who slammed 27 homers before the 2006 midseason break. Wood also broke the leadoff homer record that Soriano and Brad Wilkerson (2004) shared. Wood accomplished the feat after 97 starts.

Wood’s 10 leadoff homers also matched the pre-All-Star Game mark established by Bobby Bonds (1973) and Mookie Betts (2023).

Emerging as one of the league’s top power leadoff batters, Wood leads the big leagues in runs scored (89) and over the final 12 games before the All-Star break, he homered seven times, drew 15 walks and scored 18 runs. Only two players have ever amassed such a 12-game streak. Barry Bonds did it during back-to-back seasons in 2000-01.
‘ James Wood making pitchers rethink deliveries

Will pitchers still pitch to Woods when the regular-season grind resumes?

During the Nationals’ 8-2 win over the Houston Astros on July 8, Wood experienced just two strikes during the opening 14 pitches he faced. The 23-year-old finished with three walks, two runs scored and a stolen base.

Wood’s 0.973 OPS ranks third. In 32 July at-bats, he’s slashing .438/.600/1.125.

The Nationals could be developing a young offensive core. Of the first 10 big-league players to compile at least 20 homers and 60 RBI, the Nationals field three: Wood, CJ Abrams and Luis Garcia Jr.

Despite being swept by the Yankees, capped by Sunday’s 5-3 decision, Wood went 7-for-12 with three homers before starting the All-Star break.