7/13/25 : 2025 MLB Draft - 1st Round Pick

RHP Gage Wood - 21 yrs old - University of Arkansas

“After Wood became Arkansas' closer as a freshman in 2023 and then continued to log high-leverage relief innings as a sophomore, scouts looked forward to him joining the rotation this spring. He came down with a shoulder impingement after his second start and missed two months before coming back for the stretch run. Though his command was sporadic at times following his return, he delivered a 19-strikeout no-hitter against Murray State at the College World Series, with only a hit batter keeping him from a perfect game. His combination of stuff and strikes could land him in the middle of the first round.

Wood has one of the best fastballs in the Draft, sitting at 94-96 mph and reaching 98. Its combination of velocity and carry, along with his low release height and flat approach angle, produce elite rates of chases, as well as overall and in-zone swings and misses. He relies heavily on his heater and a power 82-85 mph curveball that shows flashes of becoming a plus pitch.

Wood's upper-80s slider isn't nearly as effective as his curve and he barely uses a changeup with similar velocity and decent fade. After battling the strike zone as a freshman, he has carried a 5 percent walk rate the last two seasons. He has the ingredients to succeed as a starter, though he has also had shoulder issues in high school and will have to prove he can handle the workload.” - MLB

“Wood was a hard-throwing reliever for two seasons with Arkansas, then in 2025 moved into a full-time starting role. He suffered a shoulder injury after his second outing of the season and missed almost two months of the season before returning to the mound in mid April and dominating down the stretch. His season was highlighted by a complete game no-hitter in the College World Series against Murray State where he struck out 19 batters. While Wood only pitched 37.2 innings in his 2025 season across 10 starts, he posted a tremendous 46% strikeout rate and 4.7% walk rate. Wood is a stocky righthander with a 6-foot, 205-pound frame who attacks hitters with one of the best fastballs in the class. He sits in the upper 90s and will run the pitch up to 98 mph with great swing-and-miss traits at the top of the zone. Wood’s 32% miss rate with his fastball is a standout number, and the pitch plays up thanks to its flat approach angle and consistent location at the top of the zone. He has a north-south attack with a low-80s power curve that features impressive top-down shape and is his go-to secondary. Wood will also mix in a harder slider/cutter in the upper 80s and a rarely-used upper-80s changeup. Wood’s strikes have improved significantly since his freshman season. He should get every opportunity to start in pro ball, but has the pitch mix to succeed in the bullpen.” - Baseball America