Zack Wheeler is underrated.

I don’t mean in the current landscape of baseball. He’s properly rated there, often referred to as one of the very best in the sport, a yearly Cy Young candidate, and among the best big game performers of his generation.

Where he’s underrated is here, among us. While we often give credit to what Wheeler has been since signing with the Phillies before the 2020 season, I’m not sure the reality is spelled out clearly enough, often enough.

Zack Wheeler is on his way (if he isn’t already there) to being the best Phillies pitcher most of us have ever watched.

If you think that’s (slight) hyperbole, look at these numbers and side-by-side comparisons to other great Phillies arms.

Let’s start with Lefty. I’m not going to try to sell you on Wheeler having an overall better career (he won’t), but what Wheeler has done so far is superior to how Carlton began his Phillies career. After last night’s game, Wheeler crossed the 930 IP mark in a Phillies uniform. Let’s look at what Carlton had done at almost exactly the same stage.

Now let’s get to Curt Schilling, the first truly great Phillies pitcher I watched live. Here’s how where Schilling was through 150 Phillies career starts (plus some early-career relief work sprinkled in) vs. Wheeler, who reached that number last night.

Other than innings, it’s not even close. The adjusted ERA stands out. Wheeler hasn’t just been better than early-career Phillies Schilling. He’s been a lot better.

Then there’s Roy Halladay. At his peak, he was one of one. Dominant. Masterful. Artistic. A more powerful Greg Maddux, controlling the game with every pitch.

Yet Halladay as a Phillies pitcher isn’t close to Wheeler here.

Enjoy this while it lasts, likely only through 2027. We’re watching a pitcher we’ll talk about for a long time.

Breaking down Fritz vs. DeCamara.

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