Name: James Wood
School: IMG Academy (Florida)
Position: OF
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 230-lbs
B/T: L/R
D.O.B.: 09/17/2002
Previously Drafted: N/A
Scouting Report
James Wood is originally from Maryland and moved to Florida to attend IMG Academy so he could focus on baseball. Wood is an impressive athlete, who was previously a two-sport star playing both basketball and baseball. Between his junior and senior season, Wood played in 34 games where he slashed .282/.475/.564 with six doubles, three triples, four home runs, 31 RBI, and swiped 11 bags.
He is currently a Mississippi State commit and has generated a lot of buzz to where there’s a good chance he never makes it to Mississippi State. Scouts mentioned that Wood was sort of a lesser-known draft prospect before heading to IMG Academy, but an excellent showcase circuit has scouts intrigued by his upside.
Don’t be fooled by the 6’6′, 230-lbs frame. Scouts say James Wood has the athletic ability to stick in center field if he needs to. However, if he outgrows that position he will be able to translate to a corner outfield spot as well. According to MLB Pipeline, Wood has shown plus times in the 60-yard dash and he has the ability to cover a lot of ground in the outfield.
Scouting Grades
These grades are according to MLB Pipeline. Wood’s grades likely vary across other publications.
Hit: 45
Power: 55
Run: 55
Arm: 60
Field: 50
Overall: 50
Prospect Overview and Future Outlook
While athleticism is one of James Wood’s best traits, he also possesses a ton of raw power that has translated a bit into game action. Scouts say that at the moment, Wood uses his upper body primarily in his swing. Once he starts utilizing his lower half more, it will help him reach his power potential which can be 20+ home runs per season.
That type of power will play well in center field or right field, where his strong arm would translate without issues. He hasn’t filled out his frame completely, so a move to a corner outfield spot wouldn’t be surprising once he starts adding muscle throughout his professional career. Wood has the ability to be an impact bat in the middle of the order and with his speed and athleticism, he also can be a threat on the base paths.
Mock Drafts
In Jim Callis’ latest mock draft, he does not have James Wood being selected in the first round. In Jonathan Mayo’s latest mock draft, he also does not have Wood being selected in the first round. James Wood is ranked as the 29th overall draft prospect according to MLB Pipeline. While his ranking has him near the end of the first round, he has a ton of tools that could make a team grab him early if he’s on the board.
Potential Fit with White Sox
When looking at all the things James Wood brings to the table, a player with tools and power potential like that would be a benefit to bring into any organization. For the White Sox, they currently have an interesting mix of young outfielders in the farm system. Most of them, however, don’t have the power potential that can compare with Wood and he’s also a left-handed hitter which would be nice to add to the mix.
Will James Wood be available when the White Sox are on the clock? It’s tough to gauge. Like I mentioned, the tools and potential are really intriguing so a team could grab him early because of that. He did struggle against more difficult competition which hurt his stock a bit, so he could end up sliding just outside of the first round come draft day.
Photo Credit: IMG Academy Baseball Twitter/@IMGABaseball
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