James Wood of the Nationals to Participate in the 2025 Home Run Derby
The young Washington Nationals outfielder, James Wood, has been officially confirmed to participate in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby 2025, demonstrating his notable offensive power in one of the most anticipated competitions of the summer. The event will take place on July 14th at Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves. In his first full season in the Major Leagues, at 22 years old, Wood has made a significant mark with 22 home runs, positioning himself as the leader among National League outfielders and ranking fifth overall.Wood joins a list of stellar participants, which already includes Cal Raleigh and the Venezuelan Ronald Acuña Jr.Wood’s power impresses with its quality. He is in the 99th percentile in hard-hit rate, 97th percentile in average exit velocity, and 97th percentile in home run rate. Only Shohei Ohtani surpasses Wood in home runs with a speed exceeding 110 mph. Furthermore, he has already hit two 451-foot home runs, the most recent at Dodger Stadium, being the longest in that stadium this season. Wood was acquired by Washington in the trade that sent Juan Soto to the Padres in 2022. Since his debut on July 1, 2024, he has participated in 165 consecutive games with the capital team. Wood aims to be the third player in Nationals history to win the Home Run Derby, following in the footsteps of Bryce Harper (2018) and Juan Soto (2022).Would I like to see him do it? Yes. But if he does, I want him to win.
Dave Martínez, Nationals Manager
It’s an honor to be invited and an emotion for the fans who see him daily. He’s going to put on a show.
Dave Martínez, Manager of the Nationals
