Phillies Top 30 Prospects No. 21: Gabe Craig’s Hard Work Pays Off

This is the tenth in a series of stories breaking down the Philadelphia Phillies’ Top 30 prospects heading into 2026.

When Phillies’ right-handed pitching prospect Gabe Craig heard his name called in the fifth round of the 2025 MLB Entry Draft, it marked the end of a six year journey through college athletics in pursuit of his professional dream.

The 6-foot-5, 209 pound hurler began his college career at Tyler Junior College in 2020, posting a 2.93 ERA with 20 strikeouts in 15.1 innings. That caught the eye of Texas A&M, but his introduction to Division I with the Aggies saw him struggle to a 7.71 ERA across 2.1 innings (four appearances). Craig convalesced back at Tyler before transferring to Baylor ahead of the 2023 campaign, where he spent his last three seasons of college baseball.

Breakout Begins

Craig finally broke through in 2024, rebounding for a 3.09 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 11.2 innings, although he issued 11 walks and struggled with command. He put it all together as a super senior, tearing through the Big 12 with a 0.56 ERA with 51 strikeouts and just three walks (one intentional), obliterating opposing batters with a devastating slider that garnered a 70-grade from MLB.com.

Already boxed into a relief role, Craig has a number of question marks: he’s already 24 years old, well above the average for a prospect just entering the pros, and command can differ wildly from year to year among relief pitchers. With that said, his experience could help him rocket through the Phillies’ system. He didn’t give up a hit in three innings with Single-A Clearwater last season, striking out five batters in that limited audition. As an added bonus, Philadelphia signed him for less than half the slot value of his No. 161 selection.

For a team that needs bullpen help, there’s plenty to like about Gabe Craig.