Philadelphia Phillies Select Gage Wood as First Round Pick in 2025 MLB Draft

The Philadelphia Phillies made a significant move during the 2025 MLB Draft, selecting Gage Wood, a right-handed pitcher from Arkansas, with the 26th overall pick on Sunday night.

At just 21 years old, Wood marks a notable choice for the Phillies, being the first college player they have selected in the first round since Bryson Stott in 2019. This decision reflects a strategic shift in the team's drafting approach.

Wood's junior season at Arkansas was nothing short of historic. He became only the third pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the College World Series, achieving this remarkable feat in June against Murray State. Striking out 19 batters, he narrowly missed a perfect game, hitting one batter in the eighth inning. This no-hitter also stands as the 11th in Arkansas history.

In his last season with the Razorbacks, Wood made 10 starts, finishing with a record of 4-1 and a 3.82 ERA. His performance included 69 strikeouts and a .194 batting average against him, showcasing his ability to dominate hitters. Among his achievements were two quality starts, which featured a complete game and a shutout.

Wood's pitching arsenal is impressive, highlighted by a fastball that has been clocked in the mid-to-upper-90s, complemented by two effective breaking balls. However, his journey has not been without challenges; he faced a shoulder injury during his junior year that sidelined him for nearly two months. Originally a reliever, he transitioned into a starting role before his junior season, demonstrating adaptability and growth.

In evaluating the Phillies' selection of Wood at No. 26 overall, analysts noted concerns regarding his durability. "Wood hasn't shown much in the way of durability, and him slipping to the tail-end of the first suggests teams have real reservations about that changing," one analyst remarked. "Still, he has electric stuff and, if he does somehow stay healthy, he has the talent to become the best pitcher in the class." The grade assigned to this pick was a B.

The 2025 MLB Draft consists of 20 rounds, with the initial three rounds taking place on Sunday and the remaining rounds scheduled for Monday.

Alongside Wood, the Phillies made additional selections on Day 1 of the draft, further shaping their future roster.