For the first time since 2014 the Phillies selected a college pitcher with their first round pick. Back then it was Aaron Nola from LSU. This time around, it’s right-hander Gage Wood from the University of Arkansas.

Gage Wood, a right-handed pitcher from the University of Arkansas, emerged as one of the most electric arms in the 2025 MLB Draft class, ultimately selected 26th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies. At 6 feet tall and 205 pounds, Wood combines compact strength with a high-energy delivery that has drawn comparisons to past college closers-turned-starters. His journey from bullpen weapon to rotation centerpiece culminated in a historic 19-strikeout no-hitter in the College World Series, the first in the tournament since 1960.

Wood’s arsenal is headlined by a mid-90s fastball that routinely sits between 94–96 mph and touches 98. It’s considered one of the best fastballs in the draft due to its combination of velocity, carry, and deception. His low release point and flat approach angle create elite swing-and-miss rates both in and out of the zone. The pitch explodes through the zone and plays up even more thanks to his aggressive mound presence and ability to locate it on both sides of the plate.

Complementing the fastball is a power curveball in the 82–85 mph range. It features sharp vertical break and has flashed plus potential, especially when tunneled off his heater. Wood uses it as a strikeout pitch, often burying it late in counts. While his curve is his most trusted secondary offering, he also mixes in a slider in the upper 80s. The slider is less consistent than the curve but shows promise with tighter horizontal movement. Additionally, Wood throws a split-changeup in the mid-80s that fades away from left-handed hitters. Though it’s used sparingly, the changeup adds another layer to his pitch mix and could develop into a viable weapon with refinement.

Wood’s control has improved dramatically over his college career. After walking 23 batters in 30 innings as a freshman, he cut his walk rate to just 4.5% in 2024 and walked only seven batters in 37.2 innings this past season. His strikeout-to-walk ratio of 9.86 and opponent batting average of .194 underscore his ability to dominate hitters even when his secondary pitches aren’t fully dialed in.

Durability remains a question mark. Wood missed time in both high school and college due to shoulder issues, including a shoulder impingement that sidelined him for two months in 2025. However, he returned with a vengeance, culminating in his no-hitter and a strong finish to the season. Phillies scouting director Brian Barber emphasized that the team was not concerned about the long-term implications of the injury, citing Wood’s ability to maintain velocity and command deep into outings.

Wood’s makeup is another standout trait. He’s a fiery competitor who feeds off adrenaline and pressure. His mound demeanor during the College World Series—chest-pounding, fist-pumping, and roaring after big strikeouts—was emblematic of a pitcher built for big moments. That intensity, paired with his strike-throwing ability and elite fastball, makes him a candidate to move quickly through the minor leagues. While the Phillies view him as a starter long-term, there’s speculation he could contribute out of the bullpen as early as this season, similar to how Garrett Crochet debuted for the White Sox in 2020.

In terms of projection, Wood has mid-rotation upside with the potential to become a frontline starter if his secondary pitches continue to develop and his health holds. His fastball-curveball combo is already big-league caliber, and his improved command suggests he’s more than just a thrower. The Phillies believe they landed a high-ceiling arm who fell to them due to injury concerns, and they’re betting on his competitiveness and stuff to carry him forward.

Scouting Grades (per MLB Pipeline and Baseball America):

  • Fastball: 70
  • Curveball: 55
  • Slider: 45
  • Changeup: 45
  • Control: 55
  • Overall: 50

Wood’s path to the majors will depend on how well he adapts to a starter’s workload and how quickly his slider and changeup mature. But with his fastball already drawing rave reviews and his curveball flashing plus, he’s a name Phillies fans should get familiar with – and fast.