The Washington Nationals' top prospect, James Wood, is expected to make his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut on Monday, according to a source familiar with the matter. The highly-touted outfielder has been making waves in the minor leagues and is set to join the Nationals as they face the New York Mets at Nationals Park.

Wood, who is 21 years old and stands at an impressive 6-foot-7, began the year with the Class AAA Rochester Red Wings. In 51 games, he has been an offensive force, boasting an impressive .346 batting average and a 1.036 OPS. His long-awaited call-up to the majors has been generating excitement throughout the season.

The Nationals, currently on a road trip, are scheduled to face the Tampa Bay Rays in Florida on Friday, but all eyes will be on Wood as he prepares to make his debut against the Mets. Known for his powerful left-handed hitting, Wood has hit 51 home runs throughout his minor league career, including 26 last season.

Wood's journey to the Nationals' system began in 2022 when he was traded from the San Diego Padres as part of the deal for superstar Juan Soto. Alongside Wood, left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore, who is slated to start on Monday, was also acquired in the trade.

Described as bright and soft-spoken, Wood has carried the weight of high expectations throughout his career. His mother, Paula, has mentioned his unwavering dedication to the sport, stating that baseball has always been his foremost passion. Earlier this year, his Class AAA manager hinted that Wood might be ready for the big stage.

Wood's path to the majors has not been without obstacles. He suffered a right hamstring injury in mid-May, which forced him to sit out for a few weeks. However, since his return on June 18, he has shown great promise in the limited number of games he has played.

The Nationals' trade of Juan Soto was a step towards building a young and competitive core for the team. With the likes of Wood, as well as C.J. Abrams and MacKenzie Gore already making an impact, the Nationals' long-term rebuilding strategy is taking significant strides forward.

As this is a developing story, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Fans and baseball enthusiasts alike eagerly await James Wood's highly-anticipated MLB debut on Monday.