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The Houston Astros have been bad, to say the least, so far in the 2026 season. With a record of 8-15 and last in the AL West, their underperforming outfield is banged up, and aside from Yordan Alvarez, they have zero elite sluggers on their team.
Luckily, they might be able to kill both those birds with one stone. Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy predicts Houston could be a potential landing spot for the Washington Nationals Young All-Star slugger, James Wood.
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“If the Washington Nationals want to supercharge their rebuild, flipping the 23-year-old may be their best bet. He had 31 homers in 2025 and was an All-Star for the first time throughout his young career in just his second season. In 2026, he already has five homers in 17 games played. The Nationals shouldn't trade Wood. But he will be someone to watch throughout the campaign if the Nationals flounder. Potential Landing Spots: New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, Houston Astros,” McAvoy wrote.
So far this season, Wood is slashing .247/.380/.551/.930 with six doubles, seven home runs, 18 RBI, and four stolen bases in 21 games. He would take over in left field, and provide another slugging bat in the lineup to pair with Alvarez.
And the kicker is his price. He’s only 23-years-old, and Houston could have him for almost five years before he hits free agency.
With that in mind, Wood could be the answer Houston has been looking for. Landing him could make them back into the contenders they used to be, so the Astros better craft a trade proposal, and fast.
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