Nationals' James Wood shaking off poor finish to 2025, tearing up MLB, creating trade deadline drama

There's the James Wood who delivered a home run with an exit velocity of 114 mph, like he did last Tuesday.

There's the Washington Nationals slugger who went 4-for-5 with two doubles last Friday.

There's the 23-year-old outfielder who connected on 31 homers last season, qualifying for the NL All-Star team.

But there's also the 2021 No. 62 overall draft pick who struck out nearly 40 percent of his at-bats during a rough second half in 2025. And the one who went down on strikes in nearly 30 percent of his 59 at-bats entering Sunday's series finale against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field.

The Nationals' front office has a decision to make on Wood's future. 

Wood is playing on a one-year, $806,900 contract, according to Spotrac.com. 

While still an inconsistent free swinger, Wood's potential could make him one of the league's top trade targets this summer. His current hot streak, including two RBI Saturday, could up the ante.

Nationals' James Wood playing for big contract

As a 30-home run hitter in his early 20s, several clubs, including the San Diego Padres, who opened the season slowly, could make a move to acquire Wood.

The Padres showed early interest in the player they initially drafted.

At 6-foot-6, 234 pounds, Wood compiled a combined exit velocity and hard-hit rate that finished in the 98th percentile last season. When he makes contact, that is.

With patience, Wood could evolve into a franchise cornerstone who remains arbitration-eligible through 2030.

The Nationals' brass will soon be forced to decide on Wood's future. Should they offer a long-term deal? 

Entering Sunday on an 11-for-18 offensive tear, Wood likely will continue to create additional trade-deadline drama.