Zack Wheeler nabs first-ever Gold Glove award

Wheeler was one of the best pitchers in the game again in 2023, demonstrating his mettle for the second consecutive postseason for Philadelphia. Still, he showed across all 162 games that he can flash the leather defensively.

The 33-year-old came from the New York Mets as a free agent in 2019 after he signed a five-year, $118 million deal as a free agent with the Phillies. He quickly ascended to be one of the best pitchers on the Phillies rotation and arguably, one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball.

In the 2022 postseason, he posted a 2.78 ERA and 33 strikeouts in 35.2 innings. This year? he’s leveled up like Mario. In the 2023 postseason run, he posted a 1.95 ERA over 27.2 innings pitched. Wheeler’s playoff dominance over the past two seasons has elevated his status to an even higher level and was a key reason for Philadelphia’s success. 

Wheeler threw harder, used his fastball more, and got ahead of hitters more frequently in October. He’s tossed at least five innings in all nine of his postseason starts. When he’s been ahead in the count in the postseason, opposing hitters have a measly .127/.136/.167 line against him.

Wheeler is the fourth Phillies pitcher to win the award, joining Jim Kaat (1976-77), Steve Carlton (1981) and Bobby Shantz (1964).

Some pitchers have a knack for taking their game to the next level when October hits. Wheeler is showing that the Phillies are lucky to have a winner in their ranks.