Zack Wheeler will return next season. At age 36, it will not be pleasant or the same. Wheeler has been riding on a wave for well over a decade with the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets. Scouts knew just how special and talented Wheeler was going to become.
In Phillies history, he has ranked with some of the best in terms of strikeouts. Aaron Nola is fourth ahead, however, on that list and has respected his dues to the Phillies as a respectable organization and Wheeler himself.
Wheeler recently suffered a blood clot in his throwing shoulder and there has been speculation about MLB superstars Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani hurting the same. Could it be a matter of the pitch clock and sudden realignment? This is crazy, someone might think.
Velocity is extremely on fire, and, meanwhile sixth-round pick Bryan Woo, of the Seattle Mariners, is pitching 25 consecutive games, alongside home run sensation Cal Raleigh, and allowing 2 walks or fewer in six innings. Something that has not been set since Zack Greinke in 2015.
Truth be told, Wheeler has a great legacy to be told, mostly with Philadelphia. He was unsuccessful in the 2022 MLB World Series between the Houston Astros as he went 0-2 with a 5.23 ERA. A feat to be certain Wheeler would want to ascertain in his own determination and feedback.
The most historic achievement is when Wheeler last pitched a 0.73 WHIP in at least 50 innings during the MLB Postseason and was fantastic. There may come a true calling card with Wheeler but it is definitely standing side-by-side with Aaron Nola if the two do not ever pair, yet, again.
