3 Phillies players who’ll be better in 2023, and 2 who won’t
By Tim Boyle
Why Phillies ace Zack Wheeler will have a better year in 2023
Zack Wheeler was great for the Phillies in 2022. In 26 starts, the co-ace alongside Aaron Nola was 12-7 with a 2.82 ERA. He gave them 153 innings to help assure everyone he isn’t running out of gas despite some injury concerns along the way.
It’s Wheeler’s defiance in letting those injuries slow him down that should give fans hope for a better year to come.
Wheeler’s 2022 season actually closely matches his overall Phillies totals. The 2.82 ERA is an exact replica of his three years with the team. His strikeout rate of 9.6 per 9 was actually slightly better than the 9.5 per 9 he has had in Philadelphia.
Replicating his 2022 numbers with one difference would still equate to a better year. Staying healthy and giving them more than 26 starts is what the Phillies need out of him. He doesn’t have to be the 213.1-inning workhorse he was in 2021 when he led the league in complete games, shutouts, and strikeouts. Wheeler just needs to stay away from the IL and be his usual self for noticeable improvements to take place.
Pressure will be on Nola to have a huge year ahead of his free agency. Wheeler, already signed to a lucrative contract, will have some on him, too. He took a loss in each of his World Series starts. Knowing what a competitor he is, Wheeler will do everything to have maybe his best season yet with the Phillies.