The MLB Draft kicked off All-Star week, and the Atlanta Braves quickly made their strategy clear. After switching things up and taking a position player in the first round in over six years, Atlanta made the decision to pass on an arm that was mocked to them on many draft boards.
Gage Wood is the right-handed pitcher in reference, and after Atlanta passed on him at pick no. 22 he landed in the worst spot imaginable for the Braves...the city of brotherly love. The much maligned rival of the Braves took Wood with the #26 selection and brings yet another intriguing arm into the Phillies organization.
Phillies getting Gage Wood could replenish rotation in a couple years
The Phillies definitely aren't starved for starting pitching at the moment. Zack Wheeler looks to be on his way to finally capturing a Cy Young award, and Christopher Sanchez, Ranger Suarez, and Jesus Luzardo have been dominant lefties all season.
However, Wheeler is in his age 35 season and Suarez is set to be a free agent this winter. Drafting Wood could be a stellar move for the Phillies in no time so long as the former Razorback can stay healthy while moving up the minor league ladder.
Wood gained stardom this summer when he pitched one of the most dominant games in College World Series history. On June 16th against Murray State, Wood threw the third no-hitter in CWS history with a jaw-dropping 19 strikeouts.
Because the Braves seemed to have gone underslot with the #22 selection and Wood had a lot of buzz for Atlanta, this decision could be one that haunts the Braves down the road. On the flip side, Wood does come with concerning medicals and the Braves are notoriously particular with those so it's not super surprising they passed on the hard-throwing righty.
Mock drafts in baseball can look silly in a hurry, as we saw with the first couple picks tonight. In general, judging MLB Draft decisions this early on is rather unwise, so it's best to let this play out and hope Wood doesn't become the latest Phillies arm that gives the Braves fits.