Many of the very top pitching prospects either took the summer off or only pitched for Team USA, but there was still quite a bit of day-one potential pitching in the Cape Cod League this past summer. Here are six under-the-radar 2025 draft prospects that shined on the Cape.

RHP Gage Wood, Arkansas

Cape Team: Falmouth Commodores

Summer Stats:  6 G, 2-0 Rec, 19.0 IP, 1.42 ERA, 29 K, 8 BB, 3 HB, 1.00 WHIP, .162 BAA

Gage Wood had some eye popping numbers from his summer in the Cape Cod League. The rising junior from Arkansas dominated over six appearances, including two starts. Wood features a four-pitch mix but primarily relies on the fastball/slider combination. The fastball, which he threw about 70% of the time this summer, exploded at the plate with tailing life and generated a lot of swings and misses. 

Wood was at his best in his fifth appearance on July 6th against the Chatham Anglers. In his first start, the righty generated 19 whiffs, including 11 on the fastball alone. He threw 67 pitches over 5 shutout innings, allowing just two hits and striking out nine. In that game, his fastball sat 94-95 MPH while he mixed in his slider to keep hitters off balance. In the first inning he faced potential first round draft pick Ike Irish and was able to strikeout the Auburn slugger on three straight swing-and-misses. If there was anything concerning about Wood’s summer, it was that he equaled his spring walk numbers in 21 less innings.

It's interesting to note that Wood seemed to get extended innings this summer. While he did start three games for Arkansas this past spring, he was mostly used as the bullpen ace and only averaged about 30 pitches an outing in 2024. He threw at least 50 pitches in five of his six outings on the Cape, including a whopping 93 in his final outing on July 11th. He was very effective in a starting role, tossing 11 innings and only giving up one earned run while striking out 15. Wood and Arkansas look to be contemplating a permanent move to the weekend rotation.