Wood earns All-MLB honors, ending Nats’ five-year drought

For the first time since 2021, the Washington Nationals landed an All-MLB Team selection. Outfielder James Wood was named to the 2026 All-MLB Second Team, announced Wednesday night during the fourth annual MLB Awards show in Las Vegas.

Wood joined a group of Second-Team outfielders that included Randy Arozarena (Mariners) and Jordan Walker (Cardinals). The First Team outfielders named were Pete Crow-Armstrong (Cubs), Fernando Tatis Jr. (Padres), and Jackson Chourio (Brewers).

MLB’s All-MLB Team process differs from All-Star voting, according to MLB. All-MLB recognizes players for their regular-season contributions. Fans voted alongside a panel of media members, broadcasters, former players, and other baseball officials, with First and Second Team voting accounting for 50 percent each.

Wood, 24, was Washington’s lone All-MLB selection this year. The award follows a season in which he produced despite limited time, appearing in 135 games after a left oblique strain sidelined him for 27 games from Aug. 4 through Sept. 1.

Statistically, Wood hit.265/.388/.503 with 30 homers, 30 doubles, 77 RBIs, 21 steals, and an.891 OPS. MLB reported that his.388 on-base percentage led all outfielders, and he ranked second at his position in home runs, behind only Crow-Armstrong’s 45. MLB also credited him with a.388 on-base percentage led all outfielders and cited Statcast marks showing a 95.4 mph average exit velocity and a 58.9 percent hard-hit rate.