For the first time in 42 years, a Phillies pitcher has won the Gold Glove Award.
Zack Wheeler was announced as one of 20 Gold Glove Award winners, the league announced on Sunday night. J.T. Realmuto, Bryson Stott and Taijuan Walker were finalists at their respective positions.
Wheeler committed only one error during the 2023 season and finished with +4 defensive runs saved.
He is the first Phillies pitcher to win a Gold Glove since Steve Carlton in 1981. Wheeler, Carlton, Jim Kaat and Bobby Shantz are the only Phillies pitcher to win the award.
Wheeler was one of three finalists for the award, alongside Walker and Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo.
It’s a tricky award to hand out considering pitchers must throw at least 138 innings by their team’s 138th game to qualify. Ranger Suárez threw 125 innings in 2023 and does not qualify.
Established in 1957, the Gold Glove Award is handed out annually to the best defender by position in each league. All 30 managers and six coaches on each team receive a vote.