Zack Wheeler’s Historic Run With the Phillies: A Case for the Best in Franchise History
The Philadelphia Phillies have seen their fair share of dominant pitchers over the decades. From Hall of Famers to World Series heroes, the franchise has no shortage of legendary arms. But in 2025, Zack Wheeler is quietly making a compelling argument that he might just be the greatest of them all to ever wear a Phillies uniform.
Wheeler’s June Masterclass
Wheeler’s most recent outing — eight scoreless innings, 10 strikeouts, and no walks in a 4-0 victory over the San Diego Padres — was yet another reminder of how dominant he’s been this season. The performance capped off an astonishing month of June where he posted a microscopic 0.58 ERA over five starts. That mark puts him in extremely rare company, as he became just the fourth Phillies pitcher ever to post an ERA under 0.60 in a single month with at least 30 innings pitched, joining the likes of Cliff Lee, Tommy Greene, and Lee Meadows. Notably, the last time anyone did it was back in 2011.
Phillies manager Rob Thomson didn’t hesitate to highlight the uniqueness of Wheeler’s performance. According to Thomson, he’s never coached or managed a pitcher who had such a consistently dominant stretch. And that’s despite the fact that Wheeler shares the rotation with two other standouts — Ranger Suárez and Cristopher Sánchez — both of whom are also enjoying exceptional seasons.
“I’m not sure I’ve had a pitcher who’s strung together a month like that,” Thomson said. “He was dominant from start to finish — efficient, in command, locating, and throwing with power. It was all there.”
Standing Tall Among Franchise Icons
Wheeler is now in his sixth season with the Phillies, and with each passing year, his case for being the best pitcher in team history grows stronger. Statistically, he now holds a lower ERA than Curt Schilling did during his time with Philadelphia. Schilling is often remembered for his postseason heroics and dominant stuff, but Wheeler’s sustained excellence over a longer period is pushing him ahead in many key metrics.
What about the others? Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee both had legendary moments in Philadelphia — Halladay with his Cy Young and playoff no-hitter, Lee with his surreal 2009 postseason run and back-to-back stellar seasons. But injuries and age caught up with them. Their peaks were high, but their reigns were relatively brief.
Even Cole Hamels, the ace of the 2008 World Series team and one of the most beloved Phillies pitchers of the modern era, doesn’t quite match Wheeler’s current stretch. While Hamels still leads in WAR and career starts, Wheeler has him beat in ERA, WHIP, and strikeout rate. And most importantly, Wheeler is still going strong, with no signs of slowing down.
As radio host Andrew Salciunas put it, “I’ve seen Schilling, Halladay, Hamels, Lee, Nola — and now I’ve seen Wheeler. What he’s doing in his sixth season with the Phillies surpasses all of them when you look at consistency and sustained dominance. Roy Halladay’s Cy Young run was remarkable, but it didn’t last long. Cliff Lee’s peak was jaw-dropping, but brief. Hamels was great, but Wheeler’s just on another level right now, and he’s still in the middle of it.”
The Intangibles Behind the Numbers
While Wheeler’s statistics speak for themselves, what sets him apart is the quiet leadership he brings to the mound. He sets the tone for the entire rotation with his calm demeanor and focused presence. In an era of high-strung pitchers and constant pitching changes, Wheeler brings a sense of old-school professionalism and reliability.
Wheeler doesn’t just dominate — he brings stability. He’s become the ace the Phillies can rely on every fifth day, knowing that he’ll give them a real shot to win. His presence has a trickle-down effect on the rest of the rotation and the clubhouse. He’s the kind of pitcher a team can build a postseason run around, and that’s exactly what the Phillies are hoping to do in 2025.
Twice, Wheeler has finished runner-up in the Cy Young race — in 2021 and again in 2024. Each time, he proved he belongs among the elite arms in the league. Now in 2025, he’s once again looking like a front-runner for the award. With an 8-3 record and a 2.27 ERA, he’s near the top of the league in several advanced metrics, including strikeout-to-walk ratio. Perhaps most impressively, he’s tied for the MLB lead in games with 10 or more strikeouts and no walks — a testament to both his overpowering stuff and pinpoint control.
Still Improving at Age 35
At 35 years old, Wheeler is defying the usual decline that comes with age for pitchers. Many starters his age begin to lose velocity or struggle with durability. But Wheeler has shown no such signs. In fact, his command seems to be improving, and his velocity remains consistent with his younger years. He credits much of his success to his chemistry with catcher J.T. Realmuto and to a relentless focus on pitch execution — but there’s clearly more to it. This isn’t just about good mechanics or a strong backstop; it’s about rare, elite-level talent sustained over time.
And this season’s All-Star Game in Atlanta presents a unique opportunity for Wheeler. Not far from his hometown of Smyrna, Georgia, the midsummer showcase could be a homecoming of sorts — and with the way he’s pitching, he’s making a strong case to be the National League’s starting pitcher. It would be a fitting honor for someone who has been one of the game’s most consistently excellent arms.
Legacy in the Making
If Wheeler continues at this level and adds a Cy Young award or an All-Star Game start to his 2025 resume, it will further solidify his place among the game’s greats. More importantly for Phillies fans, it could cement his status as the greatest pitcher in the history of the franchise.
He may not have the postseason heroics (yet) that Hamels or Halladay gave the Phillies, but Wheeler’s consistent excellence over six seasons, combined with the potential for a dominant playoff run this year, could shift that narrative. He’s already building one of the most complete resumes in team history — and he’s not done yet.
Whether judged by advanced statistics, durability, consistency, or impact on the team, Wheeler has already accomplished more in his Phillies tenure than most of the legends before him. And unlike some of those icons, he’s still adding to his legacy, with each start bringing him closer to franchise immortality.
In a sport where longevity is often the deciding factor between greatness and legend, Wheeler is doing more than just keeping pace — he’s setting the standard.
Leave a Reply