Now that the 2025 MLB Draft is officially complete, the Philadelphia Phillies have made all 20 of their selections — headlined by standout college pitcher Gage Wood, taken with the 26th overall pick. As the team shifts focus to the second half of the season, some fans are already wondering: could Wood make a rapid ascent and contribute out of the bullpen before the year is out?
The Phillies’ veteran core is about to embark on what could be their most crucial stretch of regular season baseball. Even though they enter the break narrowly leading the NL East over the New York Mets, the bullpen remains a glaring weakness that could threaten their postseason hopes.
With veteran relievers like Jordan Romano and Joe Ross struggling, Wood’s arrival might eventually shake things up. Romano and Ross — both one-year signings — have had trouble delivering consistent results, yet manager Rob Thomson continues to rely on them, mostly due to a lack of alternatives, especially in light of José Alvarado’s PED suspension.
Despite missing time during his college season due to a shoulder impingement, Wood delivered a no-hitter in the College World Series for Arkansas in what would be his final collegiate appearance. Though he’s been developed as a starter, his profile — including a high-velocity fastball and sharp curve — makes him a strong bullpen candidate, at least for now.
Phillies assistant GM Brian Barber downplayed the idea of Wood making an immediate impact in 2025, telling MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki that it’s tough to predict how fast a player might advance through the system. Still, Barber acknowledged that Wood has the type of talent that could rise quickly.
“You don’t really know how fast someone will move,” Barber said via Zolecki. “But Gage already has the kind of stuff that’s advanced and doesn’t require a lot of projection.”
Wood’s fastball, which consistently sits between 94–96 mph and can touch 98, is rated a 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale. He pairs it with a power curveball in the low 80s that has the potential to develop into a second plus pitch.
“He’s the kind of guy who can dominate hitters with just two pitches,” Barber added. “We view him as a starter long-term, but it’s easy to see why some would project him to the bullpen.”
Romano has had a rough first half, despite an $8.5 million deal. He holds a 7.26 ERA and 1.50 WHIP across 33 1/3 innings. Though he had a solid stretch earlier, his recent outings have been rough — capped by a 13.50 ERA since June 28. Ross hasn’t fared much better, with a 5.40 ERA and 1.49 WHIP in 41 2/3 innings, far from the success he had with Milwaukee in 2024.
If the Phillies choose to part ways with either veteran, it wouldn’t be shocking. And if Wood performs well in the minors, the opportunity to make his MLB debut this season could present itself. But first, he’ll have to earn it.
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