James Wood on Team USA’s Radar After Corbin Carroll Injury: A Big Opportunity for the Nats’ Rising Star
A curveball hit Team USA’s World Baseball Classic plans earlier today when it was reported that Corbin Carroll suffered a broken hamate bone during batting practice and will miss the tournament. That’s a tough break for Carroll and a significant loss for the U.S. roster-but it also opens the door for someone else to step into the spotlight.
One of the names reportedly under consideration? Nationals left fielder James Wood.
Now, nothing’s set in stone yet. Wood isn’t a lock to make the roster, but he’s firmly in the conversation, and for good reason.
With Carroll sidelined, Team USA’s current outfield trio includes Byron Buxton, Pete Crow-Armstrong, and Aaron Judge. That’s a talented group, no doubt, but it leans heavily right-handed-and that’s where Wood could slide in as a perfect complement.
Wood brings something this lineup could use: a left-handed power bat with serious pop. He’s not just a slugger-he’s a presence.
Among the other potential replacements, Wyatt Langford is reportedly in the mix, but he’s another righty. Steven Kwan would offer more contact and on-base skills, but if Team USA is prioritizing raw power, Wood stands out above the rest.
His upside is immense, and when he’s locked in, he can change a game with one swing.
Let’s not forget what Wood did in his first full MLB season. At just 22 years old for most of the year, he launched 31 home runs and posted an .825 OPS.
Sure, the second half had its bumps-strikeouts piled up and his production dipped-but that’s part of the learning curve for a young slugger. The overall body of work?
Impressive. And the tools?
Off the charts.
We’ve seen flashes of what Wood can do when everything clicks. One swing in particular still stands out: a mammoth 460-foot shot against the Orioles early in the season.
It was one of the first fly balls he pulled all year, and he crushed it at 117 mph off the bat. That’s not just power-that’s elite power.
And when you watch him unload on a pitch like that, it’s hard not to see shades of a left-handed Aaron Judge.
Speaking of Judge, the potential for Wood to join him on Team USA is intriguing for more than just lineup balance. It’s a chance for Wood to be around some of the best players in the game-guys who’ve been through the ups and downs of the big leagues and come out stronger.
Judge, in particular, would be a valuable mentor. He had his own strikeout issues early in his career and figured out how to adjust.
That kind of perspective could be gold for a young hitter like Wood.
And while Wood’s Home Run Derby appearance didn’t exactly go as planned, the invite itself speaks volumes about how he’s viewed around the league. People know what he’s capable of.
Team USA might even be eyeing him as a long-term piece-a potential successor to Judge down the line. Getting him involved now, even in a limited role, could be a smart investment in the future.
Of course, there are some trade-offs. If Wood joins Team USA, he’ll be away from Nationals camp for a couple of weeks-valuable time he could be using to fine-tune his swing and build chemistry with the team’s new coaching staff.
And yes, there’s always some risk of injury. But that risk exists in spring training games, too.
The upside here-experience, exposure, development-feels like it outweighs the downside.
Wood wouldn’t be expected to start the marquee games, especially as a replacement player. But he’d still get reps, and he’d be a dangerous weapon off the bench.
Imagine needing a big lefty bat late in a tight game-he could be the guy you turn to. That kind of role could be perfect for him at this stage in his career.
Right now, the Nationals only have two players slated for the WBC, fewer than most clubs. If Wood gets the nod, it would not only be a proud moment for him, but also a boost for the Nats organization. It’s a chance for one of their brightest young stars to represent his country, learn from the best, and take another step forward on the big stage.
No official decision has been made yet, but James Wood is in the mix. And if he gets the call, it could be a win for Team USA and a major milestone in the rise of one of baseball’s most exciting young talents.