For the first time since 2019, before Brian Barber took over as amateur scouting director, the Phillies used their first-round draft pick on a college player, taking right-hander Gage Wood from the University of Arkansas with the 26th overall selection Sunday night.

Nonetheless, even if it isn’t so visible to the average fan, the 20-round MLB draft is integral to building and sustaining success for any organization. The two-day, 2025 draft began Sunday night, and the Phillies selected righthanded pitcher Gage Wood from the University of Arkansas in the first round with the 26th overall pick.