Jun 16, 2025; Omaha, Neb, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks starting pitcher Gage Wood (14) celebrates at the end of the eighth inning against the Murray State Racers at Charles Schwab Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-Imagn Images Steven Branscombe
The Phillies made their first three selections of the 2025 MLB Draft Sunday evening, highlighted by Arkansas righty Gage Wood in the first round.
Beginning at 11:30 ET Monday, the remainder of the MLB Draft will take place with Rounds 4-20.
Throughout the day, this story will be updated with stats, highlights and analysis regarding each selection that the Phillies make.
Round 1, Pick 26 Overall: Gage Wood — RHP, Arkansas
2025 Stats: 4-1, 3.82 ERA, 69 strikeouts, seven walks, 0.903 WHIP over 37 2/3 innings pitched
The Phillies used their first-round pick on a collegiate righty that has 70-grade fastball on the 20-80 scale, per MLB Pipeline.
Brian Barber — the Phillies' assistant general manager, amateur scouting — seemed very pleased with the selection.
"It's quality stuff. It's a quality pitcher. It's a guy that can just dominate hitters in the lineup with two pitches," Barber said. "And we also think the slider that he has and the little split change that he can throw ... [he] ends up with a four-pitch mix and a really quality starter."
It should be pointed out that Wood dealt with a shoulder injury during what proved to be his final collegiate season, the exact nature of which Barber wouldn't reveal. But he did say "we knew about the shoulder and we have all the information on it and it wasn't anything that we were concerned about for the long term."
Wood seemed perfectly healthy when he fired a 119-pitch no-hitter against Murray State in the College World Series after returning from the injury, for what it's worth:
You can read On Pattison's full profile on Wood here. — Tim Kelly
Round 2, Pick 63 Overall: Cade Obermueller — LHP, Iowa
2025 Stats: 5-3, 3.02 ERA, 117 strikeouts, 32 walks, 1.128 WHIP over 83 1/3 innings pitched
With their second pick, the Phillies landed Obermueller, a lefty that Baseball America believes could ultimately wind up pitching out of the bullpen in the majors.
"A small and skinny lefthander with a 5-foot-11, 160-pound frame and sidearm slot, Obermueller primarily works off a two-pitch fastball/slider combo. He sits in the low 90s and gets up to 95 with a fastball that has sinking shape and has traditionally been a heavy groundball offering for him—though his groundball rate fell significantly from 2023 to 2024—and pairs the fastball with a 78-82 mph sweeping slider.
"Obermueller’s below-average control might ultimately push him back to the bullpen in pro ball."
Obermueller is listed at 6-foot, 170 pounds. He was originally a 19th-round pick by the Texas Rangers a year ago, but instead of signing elected to return for another collegiate season. — Tim Kelly
Round 3, Pick 100 Overall: Cody Bowker — RHP, Vanderbilt
2025 Stats: 3-5, 4.38 ERA, 99 strikeouts, 28 walks, 1.236 WHIP over 72 innings pitched
Bowker spent his first two collegiate seasons at Georgetown before transferring to Vanderbilt — one of the most prestigious baseball programs in the country — this past season. His numbers don't stand out, but that's not uncommon for pitchers drafted today.
MLB Pipeline's scouting report paints a picture of someone whose bread and butter is his deceptive fastball:
"A two-way player as a Georgetown freshman in 2023, Bowker became a full-time pitcher last spring and earned Cape Cod League all-star honors during the summer. After transferring to Vanderbilt, he has become a solid No. 2 starter for the Commodores thanks to one of the more unhittable fastballs in the Draft. It's his lone better than average offering but could propel him into the top four or five rounds."
Perhaps the Phillies feel better about Bowker's slider, cutter and changeup than others, but he would seem to be a reliever candidate. — Tim Kelly
Round 4, Pick 131 Overall: Sean Youngerman – RHP, Oklahoma State
2025 Stats: 3-1, 2.08 ERA, 59 strikeouts, eight walks, 0.865 WHIP over 52 innings pitched
The Phillies drafted their fourth college pitcher in Sean Youngerman. Youngerman began his collegiate career at Westmont (Calif.) and became a major contributor at the Oklahoma State bullpen this year, even despite bouncing back and forth between the rotation and the bullpen.
MLB Pipeline's scouting report says that Youngerman sits at 92-94 mph with a rising fastball that touches 96 as a starter, and as a reliever, he gains a few ticks of velocity:
"While Youngerman's pitches have just ordinary shapes, they work because he commands them well. He has a strong 6-foot-3 frame and scouts have no concerns about his ability to start at the next level. His ability to enhance his secondary pitches will determine his long-term success.
Youngerman, MLB.com's 116th-ranked draft prospect, fell three innings short of qualifying, but he would have ranked in the NCAA Division I top five in ERA (2.08), K/BB ratio (7.4), and WHIP (0.87). His command and his walk control are excellent, and he has the potential to start going forward. – Grace Del Pizzo
Round 5, Pick 161 Overall: Gabe Craig – RHP, Baylor
2025 Stats: 3-0, 0.56 ERA, 51 strikeouts, three walks, 0.50 WHIP in 32 innings pitched
Gabe Craig's numbers certainly jump off the page. 2025 was his sixth year in college baseball; the 24-year-old began his college career at Tyler (Texas) JC in 2020, redshirted at Texas A&M in 2021, returned to Tyler in 2022, and then played at Baylor for the last three years.
Craig, who didn't allow an extra-base hit all season, dominates with his slider. MLB Pipeline graded his slider 70 on of the 20-80 scale; it sits in the mid-80s and can reach up to 88 mph, with huge sweep and a good amount of depth. Opponents went 8-for-72 (.111) with 43 strikeouts against Craig's slider.
MLB Pipeline describes him as one of the best sixth-year college prospects in the 2025 draft:
"Craig works exclusively out of the stretch with a high release point and pounds the zone with both of his offerings. He's a two-pitch reliever who turns 24 ten days before the Draft, but he also could move quickly to the Majors."
Clearly the Phillies are prioritizing college pitchers this draft, and Craig is an intriguing arm with a lot of upside. Take a look at that lethal slider below. – Grace Del Pizzo
One more time for the Sliderman 😵💫 #SicEm 🐻⚾️ | #Together pic.twitter.com/k6bpis8MWu
Round 6, Pick 191 Overall: James Tallon – LHP, Duke
2025 Stats: 1-2, 3.96 ERA, 50 strikeouts, 19 walks, 1.266 WHIP over 36 1/3 innings pitched
Again, clearly there's a theme of selecting college pitchers in this draft. James Tallon appeared in 21 games this year for the Blue Devils, making three starts and posting a .208 batting average against. He ranks second all-time at Duke with 14 saves; 12 of those came in 2023, and two came this year. His strikeout rate in 2025 was 31.3%, his fastball sits at 90-93 mph and has touched 95 mph, and his off-speed slider is notable as well. Given that he's 6'5", Tallon pitches from a low slot.
Tallon wasn't ranked in MLB Pipeline's Top 250 draft prospects, but Just Baseball ranked him the 305th overall prospect in the 2025 MLB draft. – Grace Del Pizzo
#12 Duke gets a much-needed win as it takes down #9 Miami 5-3. Alex Mooney and Andrew Fischer each hit solo HRs, while Giovanni DiGiacomo delivered the game-winning RBI single in the 8th. Fran Oschell (1.1 IP) and James Tallon (1.2 IP) combined for 3 shutout IP to seal the win. pic.twitter.com/noQv2WwhvS
Round 7, Pick 221 Overall: Matthew Fisher – RHP, Evansville Memorial HS (Indiana)
2025 Stats: 6-0, 0.76 ERA, 61 strikeouts, 11 walks over 36 2/3 innings pitched
The Phillies may have gotten a steal by drafting Matthew Fisher, MLB Pipeline's No. 46-ranked draft prospect, at pick no. 221. Fisher, also a star quarterback at Evansville Memorial, was named Indiana's Gatorade High School Baseball Player of the Year this year. He sits at 92-93 mph, and his high-spin fastball can touch 95 mph.
MLB Pipeline describes him as one of the more athletic and projectable pitchers in the 2025 class:
"Fisher's athleticism helps him move down the mound well and repeat his solid delivery, producing extension and consistent strikes. With added strength, the Indiana recruit could become a mid-rotation starter with a plus fastball and slider."
Fisher is only 19 years old and is still filling out his 6-foot-3 frame. He's currently committed to play at Indiana University, so it remains to be seen if he'll sign with the Phillies, but there's a lot of potential. – Grace Del Pizzo
Round 8, Pick 251 Overall: Brian Walters – RHP, Miami (Fla.)
2025 Stats: 2-3, 4.94 ERA, 56 strikeouts, 19 walks, 1.51 WHIP over 51 innings pitched
Brian Walters is the eighth pitcher selected by the Phillies in the 2025 MLB Draft. He is the younger brother of Andrew Walters, who was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the 2023 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut in September 2024. Andrew actually deferred the MLB draft for a year so he and Brian could play at Miami together.
Brian had Tommy John surgery after tearing his UCL in 2023. In 2024, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 19th round, but didn't sign with them. His best pitch is his slider, and his sinking fastball reaches up to 97 mph. – Grace Del Pizzo
Welcome back, @BrianWalters_10 🙌
— Miami Hurricanes Baseball (@CanesBaseball) March 7, 2024
BMoney strikes out the side in his first inning back from Tommy John surgery!
📺: https://t.co/TKOrKW5Bez pic.twitter.com/SxCqPN6uRU
Round 9, Pick 281 Overall: Matthew Ferrara – SS, Toms River HS East (NJ)
2025 Stats: 34-for-84 (.405), 13 doubles, three home runs, 23 RBIs, 26 stolen bases, .667 SLG
Matthew Ferrara is the first position player selected by the Phillies this year. The No. 1 high school shortstop in New Jersey is currently committed to Pittsburgh. Ferrara stands at 6'0" and 180 pounds at just 18 years old.
Ferrara – from Toms River in Ocean County – is a relatively local kid. He led Toms River East to wins in the Ocean County Tournament and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III Championship. He has a lot of raw power to tap into, and according to his coaches, he shows up in the big spots.
"Whenever there is a big moment, Matty comes through," Toms River East coach Keith Smicklo told Shore Sports Insider about Ferrara. "It seems like when the lights come on, Matty plays. That's kind of been his M.O."
Not even two hours after he was drafted, Ferrara has already updated his Instagram bio to include the Phillies. It's not certain that he'll sign, but that sure is a pretty strong indicator. – Grace Del Pizzo
SS Matthew Ferrara (Toms River East HS, NJ)
6-0 | 180 lbs
Pitt recruit#Super60 || #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/mHnouvPO5r
Round 10, Pick 311 Overall: Cole Gilley – RHP, Indiana
2025 Stats: 10-3, 3.54 ERA, 75 strikeouts, 20 walks, 1.09 WHIP over 68 2/3 innings pitched
Cole Gilley marks the seventh right-handed pitcher taken by the Phillies. A native of Columbus, Indiana, Gilley played three seasons at Indiana State in 2021 and 2023-24 before transferring to Indiana in 2025; he didn't pitch in 2022 due to Tommy John surgery.
Gilley, a fifth-year senior, earned a Second Team All-Big Ten selection this year. He started a team-best 12 games and made 18 appearances overall, working his way to a .211 batting average against. The 23-year-old's cutter sits in the upper 80s, and his slider sits in the lower 80s. – Grace Del Pizzo
10 strikeouts in five innings for Cole Gilley.
Gilley's second 10+ strikeout outing of the season. #iubase pic.twitter.com/nY1IeHyNhB
Round 11, Pick 341 Overall: Will Vierling – C, Murray State
2025 Stats: 73-for-234 (.312), 17 doubles, two triples, 10 home runs, 51 RBIs, .945 OPS
Will Vierling is the second position player drafted by the Phillies this year. Vierling played his first two seasons at Louisville from 2023-24 before transferring to Murray State. He started at catcher for the Racers in their surprise College World Series run this summer. Funnily enough, he played in the game where Arkansas pitcher (and Phillies' first-round pick) Gage Wood threw a no-hitter against Murray State; Wood struck Vierling out twice in that game.
By the way, yes, this name should sound familiar to you – Will is the cousin of Detroit Tigers outfielder Matt Vierling, who played with the Phillies from 2021-22 and was a member of the Phillies' 2022 World Series roster. – Grace Del Pizzo
Will Vierling caps a 5-run 4th with his 16th double of the season#GoRacers 🏇 pic.twitter.com/YJpizWMXFC
Round 12, Pick 371 Overall: Tyler Bowen – RHP, Lander
2025 Stats: 3-2, 3.90 ERA, 51 strikeouts, 20 walks, 1.392 WHIP over 32 1/3 innings pitched
Tyler Bowen, the eighth right-handed pitcher taken by the Phillies, played at Lander University in South Carolina. In 22 appearances and one start in 2025, Bowen racked up four saves. He played for the Frederick Keys of the MLB Draft League this summer and posted a 1.59 ERA in 5 2/3 innings across four games. Bowen is a native of Dagsboro, Delaware, and he is the 12th MLB Draft pick in Lander's history. – Grace Del Pizzo
.@Lander_BSB RHP Tyler Bowen was selected in the 12th round by the @Phillies!
Bowen struck out 51 over 32.1 innings this past season, featuring an upper 90s Fastball. Congrats Tyler!#D2Baseball #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/g43d60Yydb
Round 13, Pick 401 Overall: Jack Barker – OF, College of Southern Idaho
2025 Stats: 93-for-204 (.456), 22 doubles, seven triples, eight home runs, 65 RBIs, 19 stolen bases
The first outfielder of the Phillies' 2025 draft class is Jack Barker. Barker spent two seasons at the College of Southern Idaho, a junior college. In 2025, he set school records in single season batting average (.456), hits (93) and total bases (153), as well as tying school records for doubles (22) and triples (7). – Grace Del Pizzo
I am very fortunate for my time spent at CSI. While leading our group of guys I was able to slash the following .456 AVG, .543 OBP, .750 SLG. Doing so I set 3 records. (Single season AVG, Hits (93), total bases (153). As well as tying doubles, triples. 65 RBI & 19SB. pic.twitter.com/NVp5QMZ9Cd
Round 14, Pick 431 Overall: Jonathan Gonzalez – LHP, Stetson
2025 Stats: 10-2, 2.11 ERA, 105 strikeouts, 21 walks, 0.972 WHIP over 93 2/3 innings pitched
The reigning ASUN Pitcher of the Year, Jonathan Gonzalez dominated as a starter at Stetson University. He started 15 games in his return to the mound after injury prevented him from playing in 2024. He only allowed one home run, held batters to a .201 average and struck out 10+ batters in four games, including in three consecutive starts. Gonzalez went 3-1 in starts against Power 5 schools, earning wins over Penn State, Indiana and NC State. – Grace Del Pizzo
I need more people to know about this dude!
Jonathan Gonzalez (going into today's game)
1.95 ERA | 87.2 IP | 101 K | 18 BB
rSR LHP who is in the low 90s, with nasty stuff and solid command.
YOU NEED TO WATCH THIS DUDE AND STETSON THIS TOURNAMENT!pic.twitter.com/zioCCBq6UT
Round 15, Pick 461 Overall: Jacob Pruitt – RHP, Mississippi State
2025 Stats: 1-0, 7.23 ERA, 23 strikeouts, 15 walks, 1.821 WHIP over 18 2/3 innings pitched
Jacob Pruitt committed to Missouri for the 2026 season last week, so it will be interesting to see if he signs with the Phillies or completes the transfer to Mizzou. Pruitt impressed at Indiana State in 2023-24, but never quite settled in at Mississippi State. He has a three-pitch mix and could be an intriguing project if he signs. – Grace Del Pizzo
RHP Jacob Pruitt (@HailStateBB) living 92-94 w/ the FB & showing a qual 3 pitch mix. Sells CH (clip) w/ depth, SL in mid-80s.
Jr./‘25 elig. pic.twitter.com/VbIMROeG0z
Round 16, Pick 491 Overall: Logan Dawson – SS, Eastern Regional HS (NJ)
2025 Stats: .318 AVG, two home runs, 13 RBIs, 14 stolen bases
Logan Dawson is from Audubon, NJ, and is currently committed to Boston College. Dawson is the No. 3 ranked shortstop in New Jersey; the Phillies already selected the No. 1 ranked NJ shortstop in Matthew Ferrera. Dawson played for the Trenton Thunder of the MLB Draft League this summer, where he went 3-for-31 (.097) with two RBIs and 18 strikeouts. If Dawson signs, he will be a long-term project. It remains to be seen if he'll sign, but according to the Courier Post, Dawson has told teams that he is "open-minded." – Grace Del Pizzo
#BostonCollege commit Logan Dawson (‘25, NJ) drives a deep triple off the wall in straightaway center for @easternbasebal1, also collecting a double in this game. Big + athletic LH swinger w/ present strength and projection. Clean + quick barrel through the zone w/ all fields… pic.twitter.com/DcFJr8dB9m
Round 17, Pick 521 Overall: Richie Cortese – RHP, Lander
2025 Stats: 0-1, 5.17 ERA, 28 strikeouts, 14 walks. 1.66 WHIP over 15 2/3 innings pitched
Richie Cortese is the second right-handed pitcher from Lander University drafted by the Phillies today, following 12th-round pick Tyler Bowen. Cortese spent 2022-23 at Dickinson State before pitching the last two seasons at Lander. At 22 years old, Cortese stands at 6-foot-6, 240 pounds. He is from Laurel, Montana, and he becomes the 13th draft pick in Lander's history, hours after Bowen became the 12th. – Grace Del Pizzo
Round 18, Pick 551 Overall: Matthew Potok – RHP, Coastal Carolina
2025 Stats: 4-1, 2.52 ERA, 33 strikeouts, eight walks, 1.15 WHIP over 35 2/3 innings pitched
Matthew Potok appeared in 21 games with one start for Coastal Carolina, the eventual College World Series runners-up. He served as a long middle-inning reliever for the Chanticleers. Potok is from Jackson, NJ, adding yet another New Jersey player to the 2025 draft class. – Grace Del Pizzo
Round 19, Pick 581 Overall: Robert Phelps – SS, Reinhardt
2025 Stats: 75-for-214 (.350), 17 doubles, two triples, 11 home runs, 21 stolen bases, 1.063 OPS
Robert Phelps is the third shortstop in the Phillies' 2025 draft class. The Pittsburgh native began his college career at Riverside City College and Harford Community College before transferring to Reinhardt University for the 2025 season. – Grace Del Pizzo
Game 2 of the NAIA Ball Big Series of the week sponsored by @ShoMeLeague starts off with a BANG 💣
RU SS Robert Phelps gives the Eagles a 1-0 lead on the second pitch of the game with the opposite field solo shot!
🎥: @twbulldogs #NAIABall pic.twitter.com/f1CmoREtJm
Round 20, Pick 611 Overall: Landon Schaefer – SS, Fayetteville Senior HS
Landon Schaefer, MLB Pipeline's 125th-ranked draft prospect, fell to the Phillies at pick no. 611. The top-ranked player in the state of Arkansas, Schaefer has a "loose & athletic swing," according to Perfect Game. He's an agile defender on the left side with a strong arm. Earlier today, Schaefer actually pulled out of the draft and confirmed that he will attend the University of Arkansas, but we'll see if being drafted changes his mind. – Grace Del Pizzo
‘25 OF Landon Schaefer (AR)
6’3” 180 @RazorbackBSB recruit.
Loose & athletic swing. Creates sep. and catches the ball out in front. #MLBdraft || @PrepBaseballAR pic.twitter.com/lHpSVGLkDx
