Lift Off: James Wood set to compete in the Home Run Derby

Washington Nationals slugger James Wood looks to put on a show at the Home Run Derby

While the fans may have robbed James Wood from being an All-Star starter, they are going watch him showcase his prodigious power. Wood announced that he will be competing in the Home Run Derby this year.

This is something Nationals fans have wanted for a while now. In May, we wrote about how Wood needs to be in the Derby. He has the kind of jaw dropping power to put on a show. Wood has hit some of the craziest home runs I have ever seen, particularly to the opposite field. His homer in April against the Marlins left the announcers speechless.

The Derby is about showcasing the most prolific and jaw dropping power hitters in the game. Wood is just that, with 22 homers, which is seventh in baseball. His home runs also have plenty of style points as well.

He frequently hits them 110 to 115 MPH, sometimes even harder. As of June 21st, Wood had 12 110+ MPH homers, which was the most in all of baseball.

The best Home Run Derby’s are when players do something you have not seen before. Like Josh Hamilton or Vladimir Guerrero Jr. I really think Wood can put on a show like they did.

The Nationals have had a couple Derby winners over the last few years. Bryce Harper won it at Nationals Park in 2018 and Juan Soto won it in 2022. Both left shortly after, but I think it is safe to assume Wood will be around, at least for a few more years.

People always worry about what the Derby can do to a players swing, but Harper and Soto were both fine after the Derby. I do not worry too much about that with Wood. If anything, it might get him to hit more fly balls which would be a positive.

James Wood is already a star in DC, but due to his quiet personality and the Nationals dismal record, he is not yet a national star. The All-Star voting showed this. Wood had the numbers, but not the name recognition.

This event could help get his profile to the next level. We all know how special James Wood is, but I am not sure the rest of the baseball world realizes it yet. On July 14th, Wood could become that national star he deserves to be.

Nats fans will be rooting for him and hoping he puts on a show. If he gets into a rhythm, look out because we could be in for something special.