The Philadelphia Phillies were surprised to receive Gage Wood as the 26th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, but the college right-hander is the ideal addition to their bullpen for the stretch run. Their ambitions are set on a championship, therefore Philly will not be bashful about elevating the star to the big leagues soon. The 21-year-old boasts a powerful fastball and curveball combination that would allow him to play in the Major Leagues immediately.
Wood’s final College World Series start for Arkansas resulted in a no-hitter. It was the first since 1960, and many put him in the teens. The Phillies got a steal, and the stars may be aligned perfectly.
Wood’s college innings were reduced due to a shoulder ailment, but he is fully healthy. Philadelphia urgently needs relief in the bullpen. This might be the team’s opportunity to add an outstanding arm to help them win now, before sending him to the minors to develop into a starter in 2026.
Wood’s 95-mph fastball and excellent curve should get MLB batters out quickly. The 21-year-old might provide a huge short-term boost and develop into a valuable starter following his rookie season.
Gage Wood was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies as the draft’s steal.
ESPN compared Wood to Lance McCullers, who has a greater fastball %, for fans who are unfamiliar with his game. Wood’s low innings this season, combined with his primary role as a reliever in his first two college seasons, are likely to have pushed him down the lists. There are concerns regarding his ideal role and ceiling. That makes no mention of his shoulder ailment from this season, which can be concerning for pitchers. All of these fears created an opportunity for Philadelphia to receive a great deal.
The Phillies have made three consecutive postseason appearances and are seeking their first championship since 2008. New York presents a formidable challenge in the division, and there are no easy opponents in the National League playoffs.
Philadelphia needs all of the assistance they can get to win it all. Do not be surprised if the Phillies promote Woods swiftly to help a bullpen in severe need.
Phillies fans will quickly fall in love with the former Arkansas pitcher. He has two plus pitches and should never have been ranked 26th overall. The franchise now has another option out of the bullpen, as well as a potential strong to plus starter who can develop. The affluent surely got richer during the 2025 MLB Draft. The Philadelphia Phillies are only getting started. At the All-Star break, they were tied with the Mets for first place in the NL East. It promises to be a heated race down the stretch, with even more pyrotechnics coming in the playoffs. Gage Wood is an excellent addition, but expect more changes before the deadline. The Phillies have the potential to win it all in 2025, and they will do everything they can to make it happen. Fans should be thrilled, so stay tuned.
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