The Atlanta Braves are hitting another rough patch, going 5-5 in their last 10 games after a strong run. They’ve lost their last three matchups to the Mets and Phillies before bouncing back with a win on Saturday, putting them in an uncertain spot once again. While selling at the trade deadline could be a possibility, the team will still make the 22nd overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft in two weeks.
According to MLB.com’s latest mock draft, the Braves are projected to take Arkansas right-hander Gage Wood, who recently threw a no-hitter in the College World Series.
“Wood was already rising up draft boards before his no-hitter in Omaha,” wrote Jonathan Mayo. “If the Braves select him, it would mark the sixth consecutive year they’ve used their first pick on a pitcher.”
Wood’s Draft Outlook
Gage Wood delivered a record-breaking performance for the Arkansas Razorbacks that undoubtedly caught the attention of the Atlanta Braves and other MLB teams. In recognition of his incredible 19-strikeout no-hitter in Omaha, Wood is donating his cleats to the Baseball Hall of Fame—a prestigious milestone for the young pitcher.
“From Hog to HOF,” the Hall of Fame’s official account posted on X. “@RazorbackBSB pitcher Gage Wood is donating the cleats from his 19-strikeout, no-hit performance in the Men’s College World Series to the Hall of Fame.”
Although Wood made headlines with his dominance in the College World Series, it’s important to evaluate his full resume to truly understand the kind of player he is.
Wood’s Fit in MLB
For the Atlanta Braves, there’s a mix of optimism and caution when it comes to Gage Wood. On one hand, his final collegiate season was impressive—he recorded a 3.82 ERA and racked up 69 strikeouts over just 37.2 innings. On the other hand, Wood’s injury history, particularly a shoulder issue from high school, and his relatively light workload since then raise some concerns about his long-term durability.
MLB Pipeline expert Jim Callis addressed those questions while breaking down Wood’s draft outlook following his historic 19-strikeout no-hitter against Murray State in the College World Series.
“I received several Gage Wood questions right after the Arkansas right-hander delivered what might be the greatest performance in College World Series history,” Callis wrote. “He allowed only one baserunner—a hit-by-pitch in the eighth—and generated 26 swings and misses with a blazing 95–98 mph fastball and a power curveball in the 82–85 mph range.”
Despite the dominance, Callis noted that Wood’s draft stock remains uncertain due to his injury history and limited workload—just 108 innings over three seasons at Arkansas. Still, he praised Wood’s elite fastball and solid curveball, adding that while the right-hander rarely throws a changeup, he’s significantly improved his control, cutting his walk rate to just 5% over the past two seasons. His efficiency could point to potential as a future starter.
Adding to his case, Wood impressed in the prestigious Cape Cod League in 2024, finishing with a 1.42 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 19 innings—further proof that his swing-and-miss ability is among the best in this draft class.
Strikeout-heavy pitchers often find success at the next level, and if Wood can stay healthy and maintain this level of performance, he could become a valuable asset for any organization. For the Braves—who consistently target high-upside arms in the draft—Wood represents the kind of electric talent worth betting on.
