James Wood
Image via All-Pro Reels
James Wood’s breakout season added another milestone Monday, as the Washington Nationals outfielder was named National League Player of the Week following a dominant stretch leading into the All-Star break.
The 23-year-old delivered one of the most complete offensive weeks in baseball, leading the National League in batting average, extra-base hits, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, OPS, runs scored, home runs, and walks. The honor marks Wood’s second Player of the Week award this season and the fourth league-wide recognition for a Nationals player in 2026.
James Wood hit .500 (10-for-20) across six games from July 6–12, blasting five home runs while driving in eight runs, drawing nine walks, and scoring 11 times.
A Historic Week for Wood
Wood’s performance wasn’t just productive, it was historic.
He launched three leadoff home runs during the week, giving him a Major League-leading 10 leadoff homers this season—the most in a single season in Nationals/Expos franchise history.
He scored in all six games, including four multi-run performances, and now leads MLB with 89 runs scored—21 more than any other player. According to Elias Sports Bureau, that gap is the largest at the All-Star break since 1946.
His nine walks pushed him to a Major League-best 79 on the season.
He added two stolen bases, becoming the only player in MLB with at least 25 home runs and 15 stolen bases in 2026.
Among MLB’s Elite at the Break
Now a two-time All-Star, Wood enters the break as one of the most productive hitters in baseball.
He leads Major League Baseball in extra-base hits (52), walks (79), and runs scored (89), while pacing the National League in on-base percentage (.410), OPS (.985), slugging percentage (.575), and total bases (212).
Wood also ranks among National League leaders in several key categories, including second in home runs (28), fourth in doubles (23), and top 10 in hits (103) and RBI (64).
At just 23 years old, Wood’s combination of power, plate discipline, and speed has quickly made him one of the most dynamic players in the game and a centerpiece of the Nationals’ future.