Scouting Report

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

James had the look of a potential first-round pick after showing out as an underclassman on the showcase circuit and with Team USA’s 18-and-under team in 2023 but couldn’t replicate that same level of success in the summer before his senior year, including going 1-for-12 with six strikeouts at the East Coast Pro Showcase. He rebounded a bit in the spring at Davie County HS and won Gatorade’s Player of the Year honors in North Carolina as a result. Some scouts thought he was headed to Mississippi, but the Nationals selected him in the fifth round and signed him for $2.5 million, tied for the second-highest bonus in their 2025 class.

A 6-foot infielder, James added weight going into his Draft year, trading off athleticism for strength in the process. With that additional impact, he profiles as a possible 20-homer hitter, especially if he can maintain his bat speed on the pro side. The focus on driving the ball also came with a regression in swing decisions, and he bit on a good number of non-fastballs outside the zone during his 2024 showcases. His right-handed swing has looked smoother in the past, and getting back to those mechanics would help his ability to hit for average in the pros.

James has the actions, hands and above-average arm strength to handle shortstop, but his fringy speed limits his range on the dirt. With Eli Willits also in the organization, James is more likely to be a better fit at second or third base, and his arm could even work in a corner outfield spot. 

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

One of the most impressive underclassmen on the showcase circuit and with the U.S. 18-and-under team in 2023, James looked like a slam-dunk first-rounder for 2025, but his stock slipped after he struggled last summer at the plate and lost some quickness. He put on one of the best batting practice displays at the East Coast Pro Showcase in August, then went 1-for-12 with six strikeouts in game action. The Nationals still took James in the fifth round this summer and signed him with a $2.5 million bonus, tied for the second-highest in Washington’s 2025 class.

James gained some weight in the last year, adding strength but losing athleticism. His right-handed stroke doesn't look as smooth as it once did, and his swing decisions have regressed as well. Gatorade's North Carolina high school Player of the Year, he still shows 20-homer power, but he's selling out more to get to it.

James now has fringy-to-average speed and isn't as dynamic on the bases or at shortstop. He still has good actions, reliable hands and a strong arm but he's covering less ground, making third or second a possibility in the pros. There’s still some upside on the dirt if he can get back to his earlier form with pro instruction from Nats coaches and coordinators.

Video scouting report »

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 45 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45

One of the most impressive underclassmen on the showcase circuit and with the U.S. 18-and-under team in 2023, James looked like a slam-dunk first-rounder for 2025. That's now not the case after he struggled last summer at the plate and lost some quickness. He put on one of the best batting practice displays at the East Coast Pro Showcase in August, then went 1-for-12 with six strikeouts in game action.

James has gained some weight in the last year, adding strength but losing athleticism. His right-handed stroke doesn't look as smooth as it once did, and his swing decisions have regressed as well. Gatorade's North Carolina high school player of the year, he still shows 20-homer power but he's selling out more to get to it.

James now has fringy-to-average speed and isn't as dynamic on the bases or at shortstop. He still has good actions, reliable hands and a strong arm but he's covering less ground. He doesn't have much projection remaining in his 6-foot frame and may not go high enough to entice him away from his University of Mississippi commitment.

Transactions

Team	Date	Transaction
	03/31/2026	SS Coy James assigned to Fredericksburg Nationals from FCL Nationals.
	03/31/2026	Fredericksburg Nationals activated SS Coy James.
	03/05/2026	SS Coy James assigned to Washington Nationals Prospects.
	02/21/2026	SS Coy James assigned to Washington Nationals.
	08/04/2025	FCL Nationals activated SS Coy James.
	07/25/2025	SS Coy James assigned to FCL Nationals.
	07/24/2025	Washington Nationals signed SS Coy James.
	05/27/2025	SS Coy James assigned to College Workout.
	08/16/2024	SS Coy James assigned to High School Workout.
	06/30/2024	High School Workout activated SS Coy James.
	09/13/2023	SS Coy James assigned to High School Workout.