Nationals’ James Wood gets Barry Bonds treatment
Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood had an eventful game against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday, entering the game with 22 home runs and looking to add to his tally. However, the Angels pitchers decided to pitch around him for the most part, intentionally walking him four times during the game. This strategy was successful in limiting Wood’s impact at the plate, as he only had six plate appearances and managed to go 1-for-2 with a stolen base.
The intentional walks made Wood the first player to be intentionally walked four times in a game since Barry Bonds in 2004. Other players who have received this treatment include Roger Maris, Garry Templeton, Manny Ramirez, and Andre Dawson, who received five intentional walks in a game in May 1990.
Despite the intentional walks, Wood has been a standout player for the Nationals since entering the league in 2024. With impressive stats like 31 home runs, 105 RBI, a .274 batting average, and a .863 OPS according to his 162-game average, Wood’s performance has drawn comparisons to the likes of Juan Soto and Bryce Harper.
In a recent interview, Wood expressed his admiration for Soto and Harper, stating that he aspires to reach their level of success. He acknowledged that he still has a long way to go in his career but is determined to continue improving and making a significant impact on the team.
With the Nationals struggling to find consistency and currently holding a 35-49 record, Wood’s contributions on the field are crucial in helping the team return to winning ways. The Nationals have not achieved more than 80 wins since their World Series victory in 2019, highlighting the need for players like Wood to step up and lead the team to success.
Wood’s performance has been instrumental in the Nationals’ lineup, leading the team in wins above replacement with a 3.9 WAR. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Wood as he continues to showcase his talent and contribute to the team’s success.
Overall, Wood’s resilience and determination on the field make him a valuable asset to the Nationals and a player to watch in the MLB. With his impressive skills and potential for growth, Wood is poised to become a key player in the league for years to come.
