WASHINGTON D.C. - The Washington Nationals will be well represented at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, as left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore and outfielder James Wood have both been selected for their first career All-Star appearances. The All-Star rosters, unveiled during ESPN’s “2025 MLB All-Star Selection Show,” reflect the impact both young stars have had on the Nationals’ season and their growing reputation across Major League Baseball.
MacKenzie Gore: Nationals’ Ace Earns First All-Star Nod
MacKenzie Gore, 26, has emerged as the anchor of the Nationals’ pitching staff in 2025. Entering Sunday, Gore ranked second in the National League with 131 strikeouts (fifth in MLB) and fourth in MLB with 11.30 strikeouts per nine innings. His 104.1 innings pitched are the eighth-most in the NL, and he’s logged at least six innings in 13 starts—tied for fourth in the league.
Gore’s recent stretch has been particularly impressive: since May 23, he’s posted a 2.44 ERA over eight starts, holding opponents to a .213 average and allowing just three home runs. He opened the season with a franchise Opening Day record 13 strikeouts against the Phillies and matched that feat again on April 19 in Colorado. His best outing came on June 4 against the Cubs, tossing seven scoreless innings with seven strikeouts and only three hits allowed.
James Wood: Rookie Sensation Shines in First Half
James Wood, 22, has quickly established himself as one of the National League’s top hitters and a cornerstone of the Nationals’ future. Through the All-Star break, Wood leads NL outfielders and ranks among league leaders in several categories:
OPS: .943 (3rd NL)
wOBA: .399 (4th NL)
wRC+: 158 (5th NL)
RBI: 67 (4th NL)
Home Runs: 23 (5th NL)
Slugging %: .553 (2nd among NL OF)
On-Base %: .391 (2nd among NL OF)
Walks: 57 (2nd among NL OF)
Wood is also one of just five MLB players with at least 20 home runs and 10 stolen bases, joining elite company like Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto. Statcast metrics highlight his power: he’s in the 99th percentile for hard hit rate (57.2%) and leads MLB with four home runs over 445 feet. Defensively, Wood leads all NL left fielders with seven defensive runs saved.
In his last 24 games, Wood is slashing .337/.455/.607 with seven home runs and 22 RBI, including a career-high five-hit game on July 3 against Detroit. For the season, he’s hitting .288/.391/.553 with 19 doubles, 23 home runs, 67 RBI, 57 walks, 12 stolen bases, and 58 runs scored in 89 games.