Jun 16, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Gage Wood (14) looks at the scoreboard walking off the mound after the end of the third inning against the Murray State Racers at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images Steven Branscombe
The Phillies selected RHP Gage Wood from Arkansas with the 26th pick in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft Sunday.
Wood, 21, posted a 3.82 ERA, 0.903 and a 16.5 K/9 in 10 games for Arkansas this past season. Notably, he tossed a no-hitter in the College World Series against Murray State:
MLB Pipeline had Wood ranked as the No. 23 prospect in the class, giving his fastball a 70 grade on the 20-80 scouting scale:
"Wood has one of the best fastballs in the Draft, sitting at 94-96 mph and reaching 98. Its combination of velocity and carry, along with his low release height and flat approach angle, produce elite rates of chases, as well as overall and in-zone swings and misses. He relies heavily on his heater and a power 82-85 mph curveball that shows flashes of becoming a plus pitch."
It should be pointed out that Wood — who is listed at 6-foot, 205 pounds — had a shoulder injury that limited his workload this past year. But he came back and the fastball continued to wow. Frankly, it makes you wonder if Wood could be someone that the Phillies fast track to the majors as a reliever this season, even if they view him as a starter in the long run.
This was the sixth first-round pick that's been made by Brian Barber, the Phillies' assistant general manager, amateur scouting. Wood joins what's largely been a successful group in Mick Abel (2020), Andrew Painter (2021), Justin Crawford (2022), Aidan Miller (2023) and Dante Nori (2024). Notably, Wood is the first college player the Phillies have taken in the first round under Barber.
The Phillies will make two more picks this evening, before Rounds 4-20 take place Monday starting at 11:30 ET.
