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On this date, three years ago, Zack Wheeler broke the Phillies award drought everyone forgot about

Zack Wheeler's 2023 Gold Glove award broke a 42-year drought for Philadelphia Phillies pitchers. But no one seemed to ackownledge it at the time.

By Ben Silver · That Balls Outta Here

Published: Friday, 6 November 2026 at 9:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Zack Wheeler ended a 42-year drought in 2023 by becoming the first Phillies pitcher to win a Gold Glove since 1981.
Steve Carlton was the last Philadelphia pitcher to win the defensive award prior to Wheeler.
Ben Silver argues teammates Ranger Suárez and Taijuan Walker may have had stronger fielding cases that season.

The Story in 60 Seconds

In 2023, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler ended a 42-year franchise award drought by winning the National League Gold Glove. He became the first Phillies pitcher to capture the honor since Steve Carlton accomplished the feat in 1981.

Writer Ben Silver notes that while Wheeler is among the greatest pitchers in franchise history, his Gold Glove win was unexpected compared to teammates Ranger Suárez and Taijuan Walker. However, Silver argues the victory provided karmic justice for Wheeler after several previous Cy Young snubs.

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