Bowden: 6 MLB prospects who are major-league-ready and just waiting for the call
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5499049/2024/05/17/mlb-prospects-ready-for-promotions/
1. James Wood, OF, Nationals
Age: 21
Bats: L Throws: R
Height: 6-7 Weight: 234
Stats (Triple A): .356/.460/.582 slash line
2B: 12 HR: 7 RBI: 25 SB: 9 CS: 1
Wood is absolutely raking at Triple A. There is no legitimate baseball reason not to promote him since he’s significantly better than Nationals right fielder Victor Robles and left fielder Eddie Rosario. However, that’s where it gets tricky. The Nationals are hoping to get outfielders Lane Thomas and Joey Gallo off the injured list at some point, which would give them four veteran corner outfielders they’d like to use as trade bait leading up to the trade deadline. If they promote Wood, it will take playing time away from those outfielders and lessen Washington’s chances of moving them. However, in my view, the Nationals should think long term and make sure Wood plays alongside their rookie center fielder, Jacob Young. Both are long-term solutions for Washington, and I don’t think any of those veterans outside of Thomas will have much trade value anyway.