Where are they now? Looking at Nats’ return for Soto

This story was excerpted from Jessica Camerato’s Nationals Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.

Two seasons ago, headlines mentioned how the Nationals acquired a stacked package of prospects in the epic Juan Soto trade with the Padres.

This weekend, the buzz is now about the Nats’ plans to call up their top prospect, whom they landed in that Aug. 2, 2022, deal.

Outfielder James Wood was ranked as the Padres’ No. 3 prospect (No. 88 overall), according to MLB Pipeline, and was playing at Single-A Lake Elsinore at the time of the 2022 Trade Deadline blockbuster. Today, he is ranked as the Nationals’ No. 1 prospect (No. 3 overall) and has dominated at Triple-A Rochester.

Slashing a jaw-dropping .353/.463/.595 with a 1.058 OPS, 10 home runs, 37 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in just 52 games, Wood is expected to make his Major League debut on Monday after the team called him up.

? What you need to know about James Wood

With Wood poised to begin his chapter as a key member of the Nationals’ future, let’s take a look back at that trade through a “Where are they now: Wood debut edition.”

SS CJ Abrams

Then: Entered the 2022 season ranked as the Padres’ top prospect (No. 9 overall) by MLB Pipeline, debuted April 8, 2022

Now: Nationals' starting shortstop

Nats stats (2024): 74 games, .282/.339/.513, .852 OPS, 13 home runs, 42 RBIs, 13 stolen bases

Abrams set the Nationals' team record (2005-present) for stolen bases in 2023, and he has followed that up with a standout performance in his third big league season. Among National League players, Abrams is tied for second in triples (five) and is tied for fourth in extra-base hits (38). He ranks eighth in OPS and in total bases (153). He is batting .439 in his last 15 games.

LHP MacKenzie Gore

Then: Entered the 2022 season ranked as the Padres’ No. 4 prospect, debuted April 15, 2022

Now: Key member of the Nationals' starting rotation

Nats stats (2024): 16 starts, 6-7, 3.60 ERA, 10.48 strikeouts per nine innings

Gore spent the final months of his first season with the Nats rehabbing from left elbow inflammation. He now is in his second full season, and he ranks sixth in strikeouts per nine innings (10.48) and is tied for ninth in strikeouts (99) among NL pitchers. Gore has recorded double digits in strikeouts three times this season.

OF Robert Hassell III

Then: Ranked as the Padres’ No. 1 prospect (No. 21 overall) at time of trade, playing at High-A Fort Wayne

Now: Ranked as the Nationals’ No. 8 prospect, playing at Double-A Harrisburg

Nats stats (2024): 49 games, .278/.369/.369, .738 OPS, three home runs, 14 RBIs, 11 stolen bases

Hassell has overcome injuries during his time in the Nationals organization. He gained valuable experience when he was one of the Nats’ top prospects invited to Major League camp. Hassell was assigned to Harrisburg at the start of this season. His Major League ETA, per MLB Pipeline, is 2025.

RHP Jarlin Susana

Then: Ranked as the Padres’ No. 14 prospect at time of trade, playing in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League

Now: Ranked as the Nationals’ No. 10 prospect, playing at Single-A Fredericksburg

Nats stats (2024): 13 starts, 1-7, 4.91 ERA, 13.15 strikeouts per nine innings

Susana was in just his age-18 season when he was traded to the Nationals. The 6-foot-6, 235-pound flamethrower's velocity clocks in the triple digits. Susana has reached 103 mph, including this March in the Spring Breakout. His Major League ETA is 2026, per MLB Pipeline.

1B/DH Luke Voit

Then: Part of deal after Eric Hosmer exercised no-trade clause

Now: Playing with Olmecas de Tabasco (Mexico)

Nats stats (2022): 53 games, .228/.295/.381, .676 OPS, nine home runs, 21 RBIs

After the Nationals non-tendered Voit following the 2022 season, he signed with the Brewers and appeared in 22 games with Milwaukee last season. He signed a Minor League deal with the Mets in February and was released in March. The following month, Voit signed with Olmecas de Tabasco of the Mexican League.

Padres acquired

OF Juan Soto

Then: MVP-caliber All-Star in fifth season with the Nats, with whom he signed in 2015

Now: All-Star outfielder for the Yankees

Padres stats (2022-23): 214 games, .265/.405/.488, .893 OPS, 41 home runs, 125 RBIs, 176 walks

From a potential franchise player to a historical trade centerpiece, Soto was dealt to the Padres after turning down a 15-year, $440 million contract extension from the Nationals. San Diego hoped Soto could be a missing piece to postseason success, but his tenure on the West Coast only lasted through the 2023 season. The Padres traded Soto to the Yankees on Dec. 7, and he is set to become a free agent after this season.

1B Josh Bell

Then: Starting first baseman for the Nationals

Now: First baseman/designated hitter for the Marlins

Padres stats (2022): 53 games, .192/.316/.271, .587 OPS, three home runs, 14 RBIs

Bell was acquired by the Padres during the final year of his contract. He signed a two-year deal with the Guardians on Dec. 12, 2022, but was dealt to the Marlins on Aug. 1 last season, before the Trade Deadline. This flurry of movement came after Bell played the first five seasons of his career with the Pirates.