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The MLB Draft offers teams a chance to dream big, and after the show Gage Wood just put on in Omaha, the University of Arkansas right-hander should be near the top of Minnesota’s board at pick 16.
Wood made national headlines with a performance that will be talked about for years. Against Murray State in the College World Series, Wood threw a no-hitter with 19 strikeouts, setting a record for a nine-inning game in Omaha. He was one hit batter in the eighth inning from a perfect game. It was only the third no-hitter in CWS history, and by far the most overpowering. The outing instantly elevated his stock from an intriguing draft arm to one of the most electric prospects in the country.
Wood’s profile backs up the hype. His fastball sits in the mid-90s and can reach 96 miles per hour, paired with a power curveball that consistently generates swings and misses. Across 10 starts this season in the SEC, Wood posted a 3.82 ERA while striking out 16.5 batters per nine innings. He began his college career as a closer, but transitioned into a full-time starting role in 2025 and improved steadily throughout the year.
ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel recently mocked Wood to the Twins at pick 16, noting that the right-hander could be moved quickly through the minors and might even see high-leverage innings out of a bullpen as a developmental stepping stone. The idea of Wood reaching the upper minors soon, or potentially helping in relief as early as this year, is drawing attention from teams seeking both ceiling and immediacy.
Twins Daily draft expert Jamie Cameron highlighted Wood’s unique traits, pointing out that his fastball averages 96 with 17 inches of vertical break and 9.5 inches of arm-side movement from a 5-foot-5 release height, creating an unusual plane that makes life difficult for hitters.
“If he stays healthy,” Cameron said, “he should be in the majors in two seasons.”
Wood currently sits at No. 43 on Twins Daily’s consensus draft board. With mock draft updates coming after the College World Series, he’s expected to rise significantly.
The comparisons to Cubs right-hander Cade Horton are already rolling in. Horton was a breakout performer in the 2022 College World Series who turned a late surge into a top-10 draft slot and was in the majors within three years. Like Horton, Wood’s combination of big-game poise, fastball power, and breaking ball effectiveness makes him one of the most compelling arms in the class.
Despite Minnesota’s offensive struggles this season, the MLB Draft does not revolve around short-term roster needs. Building sustainable success means replenishing strengths, and the organization’s pitching pipeline has already shown signs of wear. Continued investment is necessary, and adding an arm like Wood helps ensure long-term depth and impact.
The Twins have a proven track record of developing pitching, particularly adding velocity and refining arsenals. If the organization can help Wood tack on a few more ticks to his fastball and build a third pitch to go along with his fastball and curve, his upside could be enormous. Even if he remains a two-pitch power arm, the floor looks like a high-leverage reliever with quick upside.
Minnesota has not taken a college pitcher in the first round since 2015 (who remembers Tyler Jay?). This year presents a rare opportunity to grab one with both polish and electricity, who just delivered one of the greatest postseason outings college baseball has ever seen. Gage Wood checks every box: velocity, strikeouts, swagger, and a fearless approach in the spotlight.
If he is on the board at pick 16, Minnesota should not hesitate.
What do you think about Gage Wood as a potential first-round pick? Which direction should the Twins go in this year’s draft? Leave a comment below and start the conversation!