One of the newest members of the Philadelphia Phillies organization could soon be taking an exceedingly rare shortcut to the Major Leagues.
During the MLB Draft on Sunday, the Phillies used their first-round pick, No. 26 overall, to select University of Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood. After two seasons as a reliever for the Razorbacks, the 6-foot, 205-pound right-hander started 10 games this spring, and despite missing a month-plus with a shoulder impingement, he went 4-1 with a 3.82 ERA, striking out 69 batters in 37.2 innings.
It was what Wood did June 16 in a Men’s College World Series game, however, that made him a known name outside of MLB scouting circles. Facing Murray State, Wood pitched the third no-hitter in MCWS history and the first in 65 years, striking out a record 19 batters in the Razorbacks’ 3-0 victory.
“You should be fired up, Phillies fans,” MLB Network host Greg Amsinger said after Wood was drafted. “This dude pitched arguably the greatest game in the history of the College World Series.”
First-Round Draft Pick Gage Wood Brings Fastball/Curve Combo That Could Play in Phillies Bullpen
But getting back to his reliever roots might help Wood get up to the Show before the 2025 season ends.
In an analysis of first-round picks, Keith Law of The Athletic speculated that the Phillies may have chosen Wood in part so they could “put him in the majors this fall as a partial solution to their bullpen woes.” ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel similarly suggested that Wood has the makeup to go directly to Philadelphia “and potentially help the bullpen later this season, like a trade deadline addition.”
Since the MLB Draft began in June 1965, only 24 players have gone to the majors the same year they were drafted without playing any minor league games. With a fastball described as “unhittable” and a power curve to match, Wood could make it 25.
“It’s a guy that can just dominate hitters through the lineup with two pitches,” said Phillies assistant general manager of amateur scouting Brian Barber. “We see him as a starter. You see those dominating two pitches and people are going to automatically think, ‘Move to the bullpen.’ But this is a guy who’s shown the ability to do it.”
University of Arkansas Right-Hander Gage Wood Could Provide Relief Answer for Philadelphia
Philadelphia’s bullpen woes have been well-documented this season. Entering the All-Star Break, Phillies relievers have combined to post an ERA of 4.38, which is tied for 23rd in all of baseball.
Jose Alvarado was suspended for 80 games and is ineligible for the postseason after violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Jordan Romano, who was signed as a free agent last winter to provide closing experience, got off to a rough start this season and has suffered through some historic lows.
Counting on a first-year pro who is just a few months removed from college action to pitch high-leverage innings against the best hitters in the world might be asking a bit much, and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski will undoubtedly be seeking relief arms via trade. But Wood may end up being just what the team needs.
“(I)t’s hard not to envision a scenario where Gage is logging important outs in pressure situations as the Phillies push for a second straight NL East title, or even in October as they case their elusive third World Series,” wrote John Stolnis of the Good Phight. “Dombrowski shouldn’t plan on it, but you can’t help but wonder if it wasn’t already inside their heads when they made the selection Sunday night.”
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