Spring Training is just getting underway, but for a few clubs, the injury bug has already made an unwelcome early appearance. The Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets have each taken a tough hit, losing key players to hamate bone injuries before a single pitch of the regular season has been thrown.
Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday, Arizona’s Corbin Carroll, and New York’s Francisco Lindor are all sidelined with the same frustrating ailment - a broken hamate bone, which typically requires surgery and a recovery timeline that can stretch several weeks. It’s a tough break (literally and figuratively) for three teams with postseason aspirations, and the timing couldn’t be worse with the World Baseball Classic right around the corner.
Lindor, who had already withdrawn from the WBC where he was set to captain Team Puerto Rico, was the first domino to fall. Now, Carroll’s injury is forcing Team USA to pivot as well. While Carroll wasn’t wearing the captain’s “C,” he was penciled in as a starting outfielder and a major contributor for the Americans as they chase their first WBC title in over a decade.
With Carroll out, Team USA suddenly has a hole to fill in the outfield - and one of the names drawing serious consideration is Washington Nationals prospect James Wood.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, who’s well-connected when it comes to Team USA decisions, Wood is among seven players currently being considered to replace Carroll on the WBC roster. The list is stacked with young talent, including Steven Kwan (Guardians), Tyler Soderstrom (Athletics), Riley Greene (Tigers), Roman Anthony (Red Sox), Wyatt Langford (Rangers), and Kyle Stowers (Marlins). But Wood’s name stands out - and not just for Nationals fans.
Wood brings a rare blend of power and speed, the kind of upside that makes scouts and fans alike sit up and pay attention. At 6'6", he’s an imposing figure in the box, but it’s his plate discipline and poise that have really turned heads.
There’s a calmness to his approach that belies his age and experience level. He hasn't logged meaningful innings at the Major League level yet, but the tools are loud, and the ceiling is sky-high.
If he gets the nod, it would be a massive opportunity - not just for Wood, but for fans eager to see the next wave of talent on the international stage. With Harry Ford already set to suit up for Team Great Britain, the WBC is shaping up to be a showcase for baseball’s next generation.
Langford might be the only other candidate on the list with a similar power-speed profile, but Wood’s patient eye and advanced approach at the plate could give him the edge. No matter which direction Team USA ultimately goes, they’ll be adding a dynamic young outfielder to an already loaded roster.
A decision is expected soon, and all eyes will be on USA Baseball as they finalize their squad. For now, James Wood is firmly in the conversation - and if he gets the call, it could be his first big step onto the global stage.