James Wood Set to Compete in 2025 Home Run Derby

WASHINGTON — Outfielder James Wood of the Nationals, known for his powerful left-handed swing and standing tall at 6 feet 7 inches, will participate in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby. This prestigious invitation comes in his first complete season in the Major Leagues.

Wood has proven himself as an exceptional player, currently ranking seventh overall in home runs among all Major League players, fifth in the National League, and leading all NL rookie players.

In terms of power metrics, he excels in several categories: Wood is in the 99th percentile for hard-hit balls, and in the 97th percentile for both average exit velocity and barrel rate. Remarkably, he trails only Shohei Ohtani in the number of home runs exceeding 110 mph, with 12 to Ohtani’s 13.

Wood’s most powerful home run of the season was a 116.3 mph blast, which traveled 431 feet into the stands. This impressive feat tied the Nationals’ record for the hardest-hit home run tracked by Statcast, a record previously set by Bryce Harper.

Moreover, Wood has achieved a career-high distance of 451 feet on two occasions this season, once against Edward Cabrera at home and again against Dustin May in Los Angeles, setting a new distance record at Dodger Stadium.

Manager Dave Martinez believes Wood has the potential to thrive in the Derby, drawing comparisons to other powerful hitters such as Kyle Schwarber. Wood’s style emphasizes hitting to the center of the field, which may serve him well in the competition.

Having been acquired from the Padres in the major trade involving Juan Soto in 2022, Wood made his Major League debut on July 1, 2024, and has played consistently for the Nationals. Manager Martinez expressed excitement about Wood’s upcoming participation, highlighting the joy it will bring to fans as they witness his extraordinary abilities on display.