Washington Nationals left fielder James Wood broke the 50 RBI mark with a clutch 2-run blast against the Colorado Rockies. The Nationals were riding an eight-game losing streak heading into this clash and falling significantly behind in the playoff hunt. The franchise has been rebuilding since its World Series title in 2019, going through several trying seasons.

While it's been a long road back to relevance, this roster now has a few encouraging young players. The headline star is Wood, a 22-year-old whom the Nationals acquired via the Juan Soto deal in 2022. And there's a chance that Washington's left fielder goes on to have an even better career than Soto.

Wood hit his 18th home run of the season against the Rockies on Monday, while recording his 51st RBI. With more than half of the season to go, the 6-foot-7, 234-pound lefty will have plenty of highlights like the one below.

Article Continues Below
More Nationals News
Washington Nationals outfielder Daylen Lile against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Nationals’ Daylen Lile hits 1st MLB home run vs. RockiesRichard Pereira ·
Washington Nationals manager Davey Martinez watches from the dugout against the Atlanta Braves during the seventh inning at Nationals Park.
Davey Martinez passionately defends coaches amid Nationals’ brutal slumpMatty Breisch ·
Jun 14, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Bruce the Bat Dog, from the Washington Nationals Triple-A affiliate Rochester Red Wings, stands atop the dugout steps during pregame festivities prior to the Nationals' game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Bruce the Bat Dog assists Nationals vs. MarlinsMike Gianakos ·
Washington Nationals pitcher Andrew Chafin against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field.
Nationals lose key reliever to injured listJoey Mistretta ·
Nationals rumors: Washington targeting bombshell ace trade, MacKenzie Gore
Nationals rumors: Washington targeting bombshell ace tradeChris Spiering ·
Jun 11, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher David Peterson (23) delivers a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
David Peterson’s ‘dream’ reaction to complete-game shutout vs. NationalsMike Gianakos ·

A former second-round pick out of Rockville, Maryland, Wood was ranked as the top prospect in the Nationals' farm system in 2023. From there, it's been a relatively seamless transition to big-league play. The young left fielder showed a lot of promise in his 79 games of action last season. And this year, Wood has elevated his game to an All-MLB level, leading Washington in batting average, home runs, RBIs, on-base percentage, and hits.

While the team's best hitter is still developing on defense, he is a tremendous athlete with an above-average arm. Wood, therefore, is this team's future, and it's very encouraging seeing him continue this positive momentum in the nation's capital. Overall, it won't be easy for the Nationals to make it to the playoffs with the way their division and league are shaping up over these next few years. But this franchise is slowly but surely working its way back to relevance and has the face to build around for the foreseeable future.