Philadelphia Phillies: Zack Wheeler continues to outperform his contract

Gunning for a four-game series sweep over the Milwaukee Brewers this afternoon, the Philadelphia Phillies were going to need a rather special performance from their #2 starter Zack Wheeler. Brandon Woodruff was going to be taking the mound for the Brewers, a pitcher who’s historically had his way with this current Phillies core.

Woodruff did end up having a rather nice afternoon, allowing just run to cross the plate over the course of 6.2 innings. However, it was no match for Wheeler, who went the distance and recorded his first compete game shutout in a Phillies uniform.

This isn’t the first time Wheeler has blown us away while rocking the red and white pinstripes (or powder blue for that matter). In fact, Wheeler has outperformed in almost every way possible since signing a five-year deal worth $118 million during the 2020 offseason – a deal which saw him leave the rival New York Mets.

Since signing that free agent contract (a contract that many viewed as an overpay at the time), Wheeler has posted a 2.88 ERA across 18 starts for the Phillies. He’s 7-4 during that timespan, and he’s averaging just over 6.5 innings pitched each time he takes the mound.

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If it wasn’t for the presence of one Aaron Nola, Wheeler would very much be considered the “Ace” of the Philadelphia Phillies pitching staff.

Zack Wheeler has proven to be major “steal” for the Philadelphia Phillies.

Comparing Wheeler to some of the other big-name starting pitchers who signed during the 2020 offseason, Wheeler has undeniably looked like the best “value” signing of the bunch. Madison Bumgarner has a 6.10 ERA since joining Arizona, Stephen Strasburg has made just four starts since signing his massive extension, and Gerrit Cole’s ERA in New York is only marginally better than Wheeler’s (2.36) despite being paid over $200 million more.

While Cole is obviously better than Wheeler, I think it’s safe to say the Phillies are feeling pretty good about the price tag they got Wheels at compared to what Cole is currently making.

If Wheeler were to hypothetically hit the open market this upcoming offseason, he’d likely be receiving offers well north of $200 million from pitching-needy teams. Instead, the Phillies get to keep him alongside Nola and Zach Eflin on a rather affordable salary, as the team continues to push for the postseason on the backs of a strong 1-2-3 at the top of their rotation.

Wheeler should be back on the mound for the Phillies next week against the Washington Nationals, another opportunity for the veteran right-hander to flash his value to the Phillies organization. Extending their lead over the Nats in the NL East is of rather great importance at the moment.