Phillies' First Round Draft Pick Could Be Part of Team's Bullpen Solution

Phillies' First Round Draft Pick Could Be Part of Team's Bullpen Solution originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The 2025 MLB Draft took place this past weekend, and anybody who watched the 2025 Men's College World Series knew the name of the Philadelphia Phillies ' first-round draft pick. The Phillies selected Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood with the 26th overall pick.

As if Wood wasn't already high on draft boards heading into the MCWS, he cemented himself with a no-hitter against Murray State, the first no-hitter in MCWS history since 1960. Wood was a hit-by-pitch away from a perfect game. The Razorbacks' pitcher struck out 19 batters, which was the most in a nine-inning game in College World Series history.

Wood played three seasons at Arkansas, coming out of the bullpen as a closer for the first two years before moving into the rotation in 2025. Wood held a 3.82 ERA across 10 starts, with 69 strikeouts and a WHIP under one in his final year with the Razorbacks.

“You should be fired up, Phillies fans,” MLB Network host Greg Amsinger said after Wood was drafted (h/t Heavy Sports). “This dude pitched arguably the greatest game in the history of the College World Series.”

"You should be fired up, @Phillies fans. This dude pitched arguably the greatest game in the history of the College World Series."

- Greg Amsinger on No. 26 pick Gage Wood from @RazorbackBSBpic.twitter.com/zFeSaw0YxA

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) July 14, 2025

Although Wood finished his college career as a starter, multiple MLB analysts brought up the thought of the Razorback contributing in the Phillies' bullpen, even as early as later this season.

The Phillies' bullpen has been a major weakness in 2025, with the suspension of closer Jose Alvarado to begin the season and the struggles of free agent signing Jordan Romano. Philadelphia's bullpen ranks 23rd in the MLB with a 4.82 ERA at the All-Star break.

Philadelphia's bullpen needs help, and they may address the need at the trade deadline, but Wood could also be an answer. The former closer has two nasty pitches with his 'unhittable' fastball that can reach 98 mph, and a power curveball. He also throws a slider and split-changeup, allowing him the repertoire to be a starter.

Helping in the bullpen could be Woods' fast-track to the majors as early as 2025. He would be just the 25th player to be drafted and play in the majors in the same year without any minor league game experience.

Hono-hitter Wood gets the opportunity to help in the bullpen, but it's likely not the Phillies' long-term plan for the pitcher.

“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 (h/t Heavy Sports). “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.”

Whether Wood appears for the Phillies later this season or not, the Arkansas product has shown the ability to succeed both as a starter and out of the bullpen. The Phillies need bullpen help, and if they don't make a splash at the deadline, their first-round pick could be the answer.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared.