Zack Wheeler, Starting Pitcher, Philadelphia Phillies


Date of Birth: 5/30/1990
Birthplace: Smyrna, Georgia

Zack Wheeler, starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, was a top player in high school. In 2009, his senior year, he had a 9-0 record with a 0.54 ERA and 151 strikeouts in 13 games.

Wheeler was first drafted by the San Francisco Giants in 2009. He pitched in the Giants' minor league system from 2010 through July, 2011, when they traded him to the New York Mets for Carlos Beltran. Wheeler continued to play in the minor leagues through half of 2013, ending his minor league career with a 3.56 ERA and a 28-20 win-loss record.

In 2013, Wheeler pitched 100.0 innings in 17 games with the Mets. He finished the season with a 7-5 record and a 3.42 ERA. He had an 11-11 record in 2014 with 187 strikeouts to 79 walks and a 3.54 ERA in 185.1 innings in 32 games.

Wheeler pitched in 32 games with the Mets in 2014. He finished the season with a 3.54 ERA, 11 wins to 11 losses, and 187 strikeouts to 79 walks.

Wheeler had Tommy John surgery in March, 2015. He missed the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons.

Wheeler again spent time on the DL in 2017, limiting his playing time with the Mets to 17 games. He finished the season with 3 wins and 7 losses, 81 strikeouts to 40 walks, and a 5.21 ERA in 86.1 innings.

Wheeler pitched in 29 games in 2018. He finished the season with 12 wins and 7 losses, 179 strikeouts to 55 walks, and a 3.31 ERA in 182.1 innings.

Wheeler finished the 2019 season with 11 wins and 8 losses, 195 strikeouts to 50 walks, and a 3.96 ERA in 195.1 innings in 31 games.

Wheeler became a free agent on October 31, 2019. He signed a five-year, $118 million contract with the Phillies on December 9, 2019. He pitched in 11 games in 2020, and he finished the season with 4 wins and 2 losses, 53 strikeouts to 16 walks, and a 2.92 ERA in 71.0 innings.

Wheeler had a strong 2021 season. He led the National League in innings pitched (213.1) and strikeouts (247 to 46 walks). He had 14 wins and 10 losses and a 2.78 ERA in 32 games.

Career pitching statistics for Wheeler through 2021 include:

  • 169 games played
  • 1,033.2 innings pitched
  • 62-50 win-loss record
  • 1,026 strikeouts to 332 walks
  • 3.51 ERA

Sources for Information
Wikipedia - Zack Wheeler
ESPN - Zack Wheeler