James Wood is an emerging MLB player, currently making waves with the Washington Nationals. Drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2021, he displayed his talent during a standout 2025 season, boasting a .288 batting average and ranking high in WAR metrics. Wood comes from a strong athletic family, with a professional basketball father and an accomplished sister. His promising performance suggests a bright future, enticing fans to follow his ongoing path in professional baseball.
Early Life
James Wood grew up in an athletic family, with his father having a background in professional basketball in Europe, which inspired his early love for sports.
As a child, he initially focused on basketball but later shifted his attention to baseball. To pursue his baseball ambitions more seriously, he moved to IMG Academy, a well-known sports training institution.
Wood’s dedication and talent in baseball eventually led him to be selected in the following round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres, highlighting his promising future in the sport.
Moreover, his sister is the captain of the women’s basketball team at Northwestern University, further emphasizing the family’s strong athletic tradition.
Family Life
James Wood comes from a particularly athletic family. His father, a former professional basketball player in Europe, set a strong sporting precedent, while his sister, a standout athlete, currently serves as the captain of the Northwestern University women’s basketball team.
This family environment nurtured a deep appreciation for sports, which influenced Wood’s early exploration of different athletic pursuits. Ultimately, he focused on baseball, honing his skills at IMG Academy.
The support and competitive spirit from his family have been instrumental in shaping Wood’s path and success in Major League Baseball.
Career
James Wood was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the alternate round (No. 62 overall) of the 2021 MLB Draft and later traded to the Washington Nationals as part of the Juan Soto deal on August 2, 2022.
He made his MLB debut on July 1, 2024, and has since played 583 games, posting a .274 batting average with 24 home runs.
In the standout 2025 season, Wood achieved a .288 batting average, .385 on-base percentage, and .571 slugging percentage, contributing to a WAR of 2.5.
His impressive performance ranked him 6th in WAR and 4th in Offensive WAR in the National League for that season.
Known for his exceptional power and unique hitting style, he recorded 139 hits and 15 home runs in 2025, solidifying his status as a key player for the Nationals.
Net Worth
As of 2025, James Wood’s net worth is estimated at $2.6 million, primarily due to his $2.6 million signing bonus from the San Diego Padres and earnings from his contract with the Washington Nationals.
His performance in the 2025 season, which includes a WAR of 2.5, may lead to increased earnings and endorsements, enhancing his financial future.
As a pre-arbitration eligible player, Wood’s earnings from his MLB contract are expected to grow as he advances in his career, potentially leading to more lucrative contracts and opportunities.