The Philadelphia Phillies may have drafted the perfect player with their 2025 first-round pick. The Phillies had drafted five consecutive players out of high school with their previous first-round selections, but they dabbled in the college ranks this year.
Bryson Stott was the Phillies’ most recent first-round pick out of college in the 2019 MLB Draft ... that was, until the Phillies selected right-handed pitcher Gage Wood 26th overall in this year’s draft out of the University of Arkansas.
Phillies' Gage Wood has perfect mentality that blends well with Philadelphia
Before Wood had made a single start in the organization, he was already listed as one of the Phillies’ top-five prospects, per MLB Pipeline. The 21-year-old made his professional debut with the Phillies’ Single-A affiliate, the Clearwater Threshers, on Saturday, and provided a perfect quote after the game.
“Here’s the fastball,” Wood said about his approach when on the mound, per NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Cole Weintraub. “Hit it.”
Wood is known for his powerful arm and big-game pedigree. He notably threw a 19-strikeout no-hitter during the College World Series and immediately voiced his frustration with his performance in a postgame interview, noting that he “shouldn’t have hit the guy.” Wood was one hit batter away from tossing a perfect game.
Wood pitched two innings in his debut with the Threshers, allowing one hit, two walks, one earned run and recording five strikeouts. The lone run scored on a balk with a runner on third and two outs in the first inning.
Wood’s powerful arm and competitiveness were on full display on Saturday. He worked quickly, and his fastball sat at 95-97 mph.
“I’m just constantly racing to get to two strikes and put guys away as fast as I can,” Wood said about his pitching style. “I like striking people out. I don’t like to let them put the ball in play. So I’m just gonna say — here it is, I’m gonna challenge you.”
Some players are gifted with pure athleticism and talent, and others must work hard every step of the way. Then, there are players like Wood, who not only are physically talented, but also have the right mindset to compete at the highest level.
It may take a few years for Wood to make his way through the Phillies’ farm system, but it’s safe to say he’ll be a fan favorite in the City of Brotherly Love.