Gage

Wood

Wood is a first-round pick from 2025 who has a 3.42 ERA and 40 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings at Low-A this season. Considering his strikeout upside and the fact that he’s 22 years old, it makes sense for the Phillies to test him against older and better hitters.

He allowed one run on two hits and walked one. He now has started two games and has a microscopic 0.38 xFIP and 1.23 ERA for the Threshers. If these trends continue, Gage Wood’s future salary will be Wage Good.

One of the more intriguing talents from the 2025 MLB Draft, Wood landed with the Phillies as the 26th overall pick following a remarkable collegiate career at Arkansas. MLB Pipeline’s Jim Callis reports he’ll receive a nearly full-slot $3 million signing bonus. The hard-throwing 21-year-old righty will likely get a shot to start initially, but his power arsenal could play up in a high-leverage relief role down the road. He’s a name to watch for dynasty purposes.

Wood dealt with health issues in 2025, but when he was on the mound he was one of the best college pitchers in the country. He can get his fastball up to 98 mph, and his slider is an above-average pitch. There’s health concerns, and the stuff wasn’t always consistent along with less-than-ideal size at 6-foot, 205-pounds. He could be lights-out in the bullpen, but Philadelphia should give him a chance to develop as a starter.