After a strong first half campaign, Washington Nationals sensations James Wood and MacKenzie Gore were named to the 2025 MLB National League (NL) All-Star team on Sunday.

James Wood hit his 24th homer, Nathaniel Lowe added a three-run shot and the Washington Nationals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-2 Wednesday night to give interim manager Miguel Cairo his first victory.

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James Wood — who grew up in Olney, went to St. John’s College High School in Northwest D.C. and plays for the Washington Nationals — has been named to his first MLB All-Star team and will compete in the Home Run Derby in Atlanta later this month.

Gore, a 26-year-old starter, and Wood, a 6-foot-7 outfielder, have been bright spots this season amid the Nationals’ dreary rebuild.

Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has been selected for his 11th All-Star Game, joining the roster as a Legend Pick by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

By far the most egregious snub of all is Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, who, if he hasn't been the best outfielder in the National League, he's probably been the second-best. His team is terrible, and he's incredibly young, but he should be starting in the All-Star Game.

Forever linked by the trade that brought them both to Washington in 2022, MacKenzie Gore and James Wood now have something else in common. Both Gore and Wood were named first-time All-Stars on Sunday