Gage

Wood

Wood drew the starting assignment for the National League in what could soon be his major-league home ballpark, allowing a leadoff single to Leo De Vries on a two-strike fastball before quickly settling in. De Vries stole two bases to score the game’s opening run, but Wood retired Franklin Arias, Ralphy Velazquez and Walker Jenkins on just seven pitches to escape the inning without further damage. He averaged 96.7 mph on his four-seam fastball and topped out at 97.7 mph during the 11-pitch outing. The hard-throwing 22-year-old could factor into Philadelphia’s postseason plans in a shorter relief role if the organization opts to accelerate his timeline to the big leagues.

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.