Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler had another historic season, further cementing his legacy as one of the best Phillies pitchers of all time. Unfortunately, this remarkable campaign ended just like his 2021 season; in second place. Chris Sale deservedly took home the award, dominating the voting with 198 total votes to Zack Wheeler’s 130.
Comparison to Phillies pitching
Zack Wheeler finished the season leading the Phillies in every category. His 2.57 ERA, 200 IP, 139 hits allowed, 57 earned runs, 224 strikeouts, 28.5% k%, 0.96 WHIP, and 10.08 K/BB all led the the Phillies’ pitching staff. To say he had a great year would be doing a disservice to what he was able to accomplish.
Wheeler only had five games all season that surpassed two earned runs. 27 of his 32 starts saw him allow two or less earned runs. Whenever he was on the mound, the Phillies had a very good chance at winning the game. He instilled confidence on the day.
A comparison to the winner
Chris Sale dominated the National League this year, going on to win the triple crown. His 2024 season saw him sport a 2.38 ERA, 174 ERA+, 225 strikeouts, 32.1% k%, 39 walks, and 5.6% BB%, which all led Zack Wheeler. The argument fans have given in favor of Wheeler is his innings pitched. Sale pitched 177.2 innings (three starts) to Wheeler’s 200. While the innings pitched case is certainly valid, it was not a big enough difference to sway the voters into choosing Wheeler the way it should have been in 2021.
Zack Wheeler has been the best pitcher the Phillies have had since Roy Halladay, and a top-five pitcher in MLB the last few years, but continues to fall just short of the most prestigious award a pitcher can ever receive.
Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
