The right-handed pitcher has been selected by the Philadelphia Phillies with pick No. 26 in their first draft selection on Sunday night. Phils fans may already be familiar with this name. Wood’s 19-strikeout, no-hit effort against Murray State this past season is what made him most famous for one of the best collegiate baseball games ever played in the collegiate World Series. This was only the third no-hitter in the history of the College World Series.
This was the organization’s first college prospect selection since 2019 (when the Phillies selected Bryson Stott), and the first after Brian Barber was elevated to associate general manager, amateur scouting.
Phillies select Gage Wood in 2025 MLB Draft after powerhouse season at Arkansas
Wood brings a versatile background to the Phillies, having pitched both out of the bullpen and as a starter during his time at Arkansas. He began his college career as a closer before transitioning to the starting rotation this past season, where he made 10 starts and posted a 4-1 record with a 3.82 ERA. Over 37 2/3 innings, he struck out an impressive 69 batters. MLB Pipeline ranked him the No. 23 pre-draft prospect, while Baseball America placed him at No. 18 overall.
Thanks to his experience and polish, Wood could move quickly through the Phillies’ system. Some believe he could contribute as soon as late this season or early next year. That sentiment was echoed by an ESPN draft panel and The Athletic’s Keith Law (subscription required), highlighting Philadelphia’s departure from its recent preference for high school picks in favor of a more advanced college arm.
Wood utilizes a five-pitch mix, including a fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, with his fastball consistently clocking in at 94–96 mph and touching 98 during a no-hitter this past season. His command has stood out throughout his college career, as shown by his 167 strikeouts to just 38 walks over 108 innings. The only concern scouts noted was his recent arm injury, which may have caused him to slip slightly in the draft. Still, assuming Philadelphia was confident in his medicals, this selection looks like a strong value.
He’s also earned several accolades during his collegiate career, including All-SEC honors as a freshman and recognition on both the Fayetteville Regional and College World Series All-Tournament teams this year. All things considered, this was a slam-dunk pick for the Phillies—worthy of an A-grade.