Predicting the MLB Draft is always a challenge, and this year was no different. From the Washington Nationals selecting Eli Willits with the first overall pick, to the Los Angeles Angels taking Tyler Bremner at No. 2, and the Pittsburgh Pirates opting for a high school pitcher despite Aiva Arquette still being available, the draft was full of unexpected twists.
One of the biggest surprises came when the Atlanta Braves passed on Gage Wood—a standout from the College World Series and a player frequently projected to them in mock drafts. Given the Braves’ drafting tendencies, the decision was puzzling, and depending on how Wood develops, Alex Anthopoulos may end up regretting the move.
The Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves’ top rival in the NL East, ended up snagging top star with the 26th overall pick—just four spots after Atlanta made their selection. It genuinely feels like the Braves may have handed their biggest competitor the steal of the draft.
There are few certainties in any draft, and the MLB Draft is no exception. While top prospect is far from a flawless prospect and no one can say for sure how his career will turn out, there’s plenty to like—especially for a player taken late in the first round.
Given his high ceiling, it was surprising to see the Braves, a team that used its previous six first-round picks on starting pitchers, pass on Wood and instead reach for a shortstop. Tate Southisene is a compelling talent in his own right, but Wood appears to offer more upside and could be ready for the majors much sooner.
Watching Wood succeed for a team like the Kansas City Royals would certainly sting a little, but it wouldn’t be devastating. Seeing him thrive with the Phillies—a division rival the Braves and their fans notoriously dislike—would be much tougher to swallow.
Of course, there’s no guarantee Wood becomes a star. If he can’t develop a strong third pitch, he may end up in the bullpen, or he could struggle to adjust altogether. Southisene may very well prove to be the better choice in the long run. Still, in the immediate aftermath, the decision to pass on Wood has left many Braves fans scratching their heads. And considering how this season has gone for Atlanta, the Wood pick feels like yet another frustration in a growing list for the fanbase.