PHILADELPHIA — Gage Wood’s first association with the Philadelphia Phillies before they picked him 26th overall in this month’s MLB draft was an interaction with Cliff Lee as a kid. Wood, a right-handed pitcher hailing from Batesville, Ark., attended a baseball camp in Little Rock as a kid.

Wood will head to Clearwater to begin his pro career, but attended the Phillies' 9-5 win over the Angels last weekend. "The fans are awesome, and the environment is incredible," he said.

How fast can Gage Wood get here? The Phillies selected the University of Arkansas right-hander on Sunday night with the 26th overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. It is the first time the Phils have selected a college pitcher in the first round since 2014,