In 2022, Gage Wood earned All-State honors as a senior at Batesville High School in Arkansas. Despite that, he went unselected in the MLB Draft that year and went on to attend the University of Arkansas.
He started as a relief pitcher during his freshman and sophomore seasons, but moved to the starting rotation his junior year in 2025. However, he missed a few months early in the season while dealing with a shoulder injury.
But when he returned, he was dominant. He went on to throw the third no-hitter in College World Series history, striking out 19 Murray State batters. That type of dominance was something that intrigued the Philadelphia Phillies, who took him in the first round of the 2025 MLB Draft.
Wood would go on to make his pro debut with Single-A Clearwater on Saturday, giving a glimpse of what fans can expect. He was dominant in his outing, but what he said afterward should have Philadelphia fans fired up.
Gage Wood sends a clear message following pro debut
Gage Wood struck out five batters and allowed just one hit on Saturday against the Tampa Tarpons. Philadelphia fans will love his mentality after hearing what he had to say to reporters, via NBC Sports Philadelphia's Cole Weintraub.
"Here's the fastball. Hit it," said Wood.
Wood reportedly got up to 97 mph on his fastball in his pro debut. He relied on it heavily. and will continue to do so while pounding the strike zone.
"I'm just constantly racing to get to two strikes and put guys away as fast as I can," said Wood. "I like striking people out. I don't like to let them put the ball in play. So I'm just gonna say – here it is, I'm gonna challenge you."