The evolution of Zack Wheeler: How he’s become the ace of aces during a run that rivals any Phillie in history

Since 1925, 18 pitchers started at least 151 games for the Phillies. Only Jim Bunning, Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton, and Chris Short had a better ERA than Zack Wheeler over a 151-start span. Only Carlton racked up more strikeouts; only Roberts had fewer walks. They all had more innings, but that’s a 21st-century-pitching issue, not a Wheeler issue. And Wheeler whips them all in WHIP (walks/hits per inning pitched).

Somehow, Wheeler has managed to age in reverse, pitching better in the first half of his 30s with flecks of gray in his beard than he did in his 20s when he could barely grow a wispy mustache. How did it happen? How did Wheeler become the ace of aces? Let’s examine his evolution, through the eyes of three pitching coaches and three catchers who know him best.

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