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The San Diego Padres are off to a hot start to the season, with a record of 14-7 and second place in the NL West. However, the Padres were never able to complete their top two offseason goals of landing an ace and a star outfielder.
Luckily, they might be able to solve the latter this season. Sports Illustrated’s Patrick McAvoy predicts San Diego could be a top trade candidate for Washington Nationals All-Star James Wood, who’s off to another great year.
“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 .256/.385/.570/.954 with six doubles, seven home runs, 18 RBI, and four stolen bases in 21 games. Last year, he had 31 homers in 157 games, and he's on track to smash that. He could either slot in at the other corner outfield spot across from Fernando Tatis Jr., or he could take over DH from Gavin Sheets.
And the best part for the Padres is his price. The Padres were already struggling with their budget, but Wood has a year of pre-arbitration after this season, and then full arbitration before he hits free agency.
With that in mind, he could be a star of the future for San Diego. Hopefully, the Padres can tap their old lines to Washington and see if they can make another trade with their old partner.
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