PROSPECT: James Wood, OF, Washington Nationals
ANALYSIS: The towering 6'6" Wood was drafted out of IMG Academy in the second round in 2021 by the Padres. A bundle of raw tools, Wood quickly added strength to his frame while not losing any flexibility or athleticism. His raw power began to flash last season, mashing towering home runs and stinging the ball in Single-A as he went from the Padres to the Nationals in the Juan Soto deal.
The Nationals moved Wood to High-A Wilmington to open the 2023 season, and he's continued crushing baseballs both out of the park and within the park, using his above-average speed to tally five triples, tied for second among all minor leaguers, while also hitting eight home runs and nine doubles in 43 games.
Last week, Wood was promoted to Double-A, where he's nearly four years younger than the average Eastern League player. James has shown well in center field, though he's likely to move to being a plus defender in a corner as a major leaguer.
VERDICT: Wood is among the top 5-10 prospects in all of the game and should be owned in all dynasty leagues. He is just getting to Double-A, though, so his opportunity to get to the majors in redraft may not be this season.
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