Philadelphia Phillies Draft Left-Handers Obermueller, Bowker in 2025 MLB Draft

The Philadelphia Phillies selected two college pitchers in the 2025 MLB Draft, focusing on bolstering their farm system. Vanderbilt's Cody Bowker, a right-handed pitcher with a 3-5 record and 4.38 ERA in 16 starts, was chosen with the 100th pick; he is noted for his durability and competitiveness despite being a relatively new pitcher. Iowa's left-handed pitcher Cade Obermueller was taken earlier with the 63rd overall pick; he impressed with a 5-3 record, 3.02 ERA, and 117 strikeouts over 83.1 innings in 15 starts during his junior year. Obermueller, who has a sidearm delivery featuring a fastball-slider combo, showed marked improvement in control and velocity, with a fastball reaching up to 98 mph and a highly effective slider, making him a candidate for either starting or relief roles. He is the son of Iowa's Director of Player Development, Wes Obermueller, and had previously declined a 2024 draft selection to return to school. Both players represent strategic picks by the Phillies aimed at developing promising pitching talent for the future.