Unbelievable and superb.
These are among the adjectives the Nationals used to explain outfielder James Wooden on Friday earlier than that night’s recreation in opposition to the Rays at Tropicana Stadium. We’ll quickly see on the most important league subject why the Nationals’ finest participant deserved such descriptions.
Wooden, ranked No. 3 total by MLB Pipeline, shall be referred to as up by the membership from Triple-A Rochester for Monday’s recreation in opposition to the Mets (6:45 p.m. ET, MLB Community), a supply advised MLB.com. Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan was first to report the pending transfer, which has not been confirmed by the membership.
The 6-foot-7, 21-year-old from Maryland has dominated for the Pink Wings this season. In 51 video games, the left-handed Wooden hitter slashed .346/.458/.578 in 185 at-bats with 64 hits, 34 RBI, 10 house runs and 10 stolen bases. He posted a 1.036 OPS, the perfect of any certified minor league participant above the composite league degree. Amongst gamers with a minimum of 200 video games in Triple-A this 12 months, Wooden’s 58.6% strikeout charge is the perfect of the group. For comparability, solely three main league eligible gamers have a greater strikeout charge this season: Aaron Decide, Shohei Ohtani and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
“I can’t affirm or deny the rumors,” coach Dave Martinez mentioned with a smile when requested about Wooden earlier than Friday’s recreation. “However I’ll say this: I’m very excited when he will get right here. He’s a particular child and [I’m] I look ahead to working with him.”
Along with possessing top-notch energy, Wooden has used his velocity, agility and measurement to excel on protection this 12 months, as evidenced by his 1.000 fielding share whereas enjoying everywhere in the infield (5 video games in proper subject, 24 video games in middle and 21 video games in left).
“The way in which he performs is unbelievable,” mentioned outfielder Harold Ramirez, who performed alongside Wooden in seven Triple-A video games this month earlier than making his Nats debut on June 24. “I heard he’ll be right here quickly. He’s an excellent participant.”
The Nationals acquired Wooden from the Padres on the 2022 commerce deadline as a part of the large Juan Soto deal. On the time, Wooden, a second-round decide within the 2021 Draft out of the IMG Academy, was enjoying in Single-A and was ranked because the 88th finest prospect in MLB.
Wooden arrived to the Nationals with outfielder C.J. Abrams, left-handed fielder Mackenzie Gore, infielder Robert Hassell III (No. 8), proper fielder Jarlin Susana (No. 10) and veteran first baseman/designated hitter Luke Voit.
Wooden bought to know his new teammates when he participated in main league spring coaching this 12 months. He caught the attention throughout camp, and has been turning heads all season since.
“Seeing the issues he does on the sphere is superb. All he will do is add to the crew. I am excited to see him right here,” Abrams mentioned.
Simply in time for Independence Day within the nation’s capital, Wooden will be a part of Abrams and Gore within the Patriots clubhouse as key members of a future Washington core already on the massive league degree.
“These three – the 2 gamers we’ve got now – they’ve helped us rather a lot, they’ve given us a lift,” Martinez mentioned. “I am excited to have these gamers. I am excited for the way forward for our group. And there is positively extra to return. We’ve got a variety of good younger gamers who’re simply getting began.”
