Predicting how the MLB Draft will unfold is always a challenge, and this year was no different. From the Washington Nationals selecting Eli Willits with the first overall pick, to the Los Angeles Angels grabbing Tyler Bremner at No. 2, and the Pittsburgh Pirates opting for a high school pitcher despite Aiva Arquette still being available, the draft was full of unexpected moves.
One of the most surprising decisions came from the Atlanta Braves, who passed on College World Series standout Gage Wood—a player many mock drafts had them selecting. Given Atlanta’s recent draft history focused on pitching, skipping over Wood was a head-scratcher. And considering where he landed, it’s a move that could come back to haunt them.
The Philadelphia Phillies, the Braves’ fiercest NL East rival, snagged Wood at No. 26—just four picks after Atlanta made their choice. It’s not hard to imagine this turning into a nightmare scenario for Braves fans: their team passing on a potential ace only to see him thrive with their biggest division threat.
Braves May Have Gifted Their Rival a Future Star
MLB Drafts are rarely predictable, and even less often are they filled with sure things. While there’s no guarantee Gage Wood turns into a front-line starter, his raw talent and high ceiling made him a tantalizing option in the back half of the first round.
That’s what made it all the more surprising when the Braves—who have taken a pitcher with each of their last six first-round picks—chose to go in a different direction. Instead, they selected shortstop Tate Southisene, a promising player in his own right, but one many view as less polished and with a longer development path. In terms of MLB-readiness and upside, Wood arguably had the edge.
Watching Wood succeed for a team like the Royals might be a tough pill to swallow. But seeing him thrive in a Phillies uniform? That’s a gut punch for Braves fans.
To be fair, there are no guarantees. Wood has question marks—most notably whether he can develop a reliable third pitch—and there’s always the risk he ends up in the bullpen or doesn’t pan out at all. Southisene could very well become a strong MLB contributor and validate Atlanta’s decision in time.
But for now, in the immediate aftermath of the draft, it feels like Alex Anthopoulos has some explaining to do. And given how this season has unfolded for Atlanta, missing out on Wood feels like just another misstep in a year filled with frustration for the Braves faithful.
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