Zack Wheeler isn’t just having a great season—he’s crafting a legacy. In his 11th year in the big leagues, the Philadelphia Phillies ace is putting together what might be the defining campaign of his career. He is anchoring a surging Phillies team that sits atop the NL East and positioning himself squarely in the thick of the National League Cy Young race.
And if that weren’t enough, he’s doing it all with a clear-eyed sense of finality. The 35-year-old right-hander, now under contract through 2027 after signing a three-year, $126 million extension in March, has already said this will be his final deal. That’s right—Wheeler plans to retire when it’s up.
Vintage Wheeler, Peak Performance
In June alone, Wheeler threw 31 innings, racked up 42 strikeouts, and posted an absurd 0.58 ERA and 0.87 WHIP. His dominance earned him NL Pitcher of the Month honors and high praise from Phillies manager Rob Thomson, who said, “I’m not sure if I’ve had a pitcher… that has had a month like that.”
His total body of work this season has solidified his role as one of the most complete starters in baseball. Known for his efficiency, command, and elite fastball-slider combo, Wheeler has evolved from top prospect to injury-rebound story to bonafide ace.
In six seasons with Philadelphia, he’s gone 67–35 and delivered October excellence. In 12 postseason starts, Wheeler has a 2.18 ERA and 77 strikeouts. That is the kind of résumé that makes him not just the staff leader, but the trusted hand in must-win situations.
From Top Prospect to Phillies Franchise Anchor
Wheeler’s career hasn’t been linear. Drafted 6th overall by the Giants in 2009, he was dealt to the Mets in 2011 in a high-profile deadline swap for Carlos Beltrán. After battling injuries early in his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2015, Wheeler quietly built himself into a dependable frontline starter in New York.
It wasn’t until his move to Philadelphia in 2020 that he truly turned into an elite pitcher. Since then, he’s been one of the most consistent arms in the game, ranking among league leaders in innings, strikeouts, and WAR.
And now, in 2025, he’s pitching better than ever—and showing no signs of slowing down.
Eyes on October—and the Award Stage
With the Philadelphia Phillies at 51–36 and leading the division, Wheeler is once again steering the ship toward October. And while the club has plenty of firepower, there’s no mistaking who sets the tone. His durability, presence, and big-game poise make him a rare breed in today’s game.
He’s already a two-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young runner-up, and this year could finally be the one that puts a Cy Young trophy on his mantle.
Zack Wheeler isn’t chasing milestones. He’s just pitching at the highest level of his career—and doing it on his terms. If these are his final seasons, they’re shaping up to be unforgettable.
