The Philadelphia Phillies have selected right-handed pitcher Gage Wood from the University of Arkansas with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. This marks the first time since 2014 that the Phillies have chosen a college pitcher in the first round, following their selection of Aaron Nola.
Wood, who started his career as a closer before moving to a starting role, has faced shoulder issues but ended strong with a no-hitter performance. “He came back super strong at the end,” said Brian Barber, Phillies assistant general manager of amateur scouting.
Barber expressed confidence in Wood’s potential to move quickly through the system due to his impressive pitching skills. “It’s already more ‘now’ stuff that you don’t have to project a ton on,” he stated.
Wood is known for his fastball reaching up to 98 mph and an effective curveball. He also utilizes a slider and split-changeup. In his final season at Arkansas, he struck out 69 batters while walking only seven over 37 2/3 innings.
The Phillies also picked left-handed pitcher Cade Obermueller and right-handed pitcher Cody Bowker in subsequent rounds, marking their first instance of selecting college pitchers with their top three picks.
Barber highlighted Wood’s ability as a starter despite possessing two dominating pitches typically associated with bullpen roles. “We see him as a starter,” Barber commented on Wood’s potential role.
