The Philadelphia Phillies couldn’t believe Gage Wood fell to them with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, but the college right-hander is the perfect pick to bolster their bullpen for the stretch run. Their sights are set on a championship, so Philly won’t be shy about promoting the standout to the bigs quickly. The 21-year-old has a strong fastball and curve combo that could play in the MLB immediately.
Wood threw a no-hitter in the College World Series in his final start for Arkansas. It was the first one since 1960 and many had him rated in the teens. The Phillies got a steal, and the stars may be aligning perfectly. Wood’s college innings were limited by a shoulder injury, but he is healthy now. Philadelphia desperately needs help in the bullpen. This could be the team’s chance to add an elite arm to help them win now before sending him to the minors to develop as a starter in 2026.
Wood’s 95 mph fastball and plus curve could get MLB batters out immediately. The 21-year-old could provide a significant short-term boost and grow into a prized starter after his rookie campaign.
Phillies select steal of the draft in Gage Wood
ESPN compared Wood to Lance McCullers with a higher fastball percentage for fans unfamiliar with his game. The limited innings this season coupled with Wood being used primarily as a reliever in his first two college campaigns likely dropped him down draft boards. There are questions about his best role and ceiling. That makes no mention of his shoulder injury this season, which can be scary for pitchers. All those fears opened the door for Philadelphia to get an absolute steal.
The Phillies have made three straight playoff appearances and are searching for their first championship since 2008. New York is presenting a strong challenge in the division, and there are zero easy opponents in the NL playoffs. Philadelphia needs all the help they can get to win it all. Do not be surprised to see the Phils promoting Woods quickly to assist a bullpen in desperate need.
Phillies fans will quickly fall in love with the former Razorbacks pitcher. He has two plus pitches and should have never been available at 26th overall. Now, the franchise has another option to use out of the bullpen and a potential solid to plus starter to develop. The rich certainly got richer in the 2025 MLB Draft.
The Philadelphia Phillies are just getting started. They are tied with the Mets atop the NL East at the All-Star break. It promises to be a heated race down the stretch and even more fireworks will come in the playoffs. Gage Wood is a fantastic addition, but expect more moves before the deadline. The Phillies can win it all in 2025 and will do everything possible to make it happen. Fans should be ecstatic, so stay tuned.