The Phillies had four finalists for the Gold Glove Award, all mid-majors, and one advanced. Zach Wheeler was named the 2023 National League Gold Glove pitcher on Sunday night.
This is Wheeler’s first career Gold Glove award and first time he has won any kind of individual award of the year. He was the National League Cy Young Award runner-up in 2021 and was named to the All-MLB team that year. He pitched well enough in 2023 to earn consideration, but scheduled free agent Blake Snell is considered the favorite.
Wheeler had complete control of the running game throughout the season. He started 32 games and was only 3-for-7 stealing opposing bases despite the new restrictions on pickoffs and bigger walks. The team didn’t even test him in the playoffs until Game 7 of the NL CS against the Diamondbacks, when Wheeler appeared in the second half as a reliever.
The other two National League finalists on the mound were Wheeler’s Phillies teammate Taijuan Walker and Marlins left-hander Jesus Luzardo. Walker has the most effective pickoff move of any right-handed pitcher, with six pick-offs, the most by a right-handed pitcher in the majors.
Ironically, the Phillies’ best defensive pitcher thus far has been Ranger Suarez, who was not drafted because he did not meet the 138-inning requirement by the team’s 138th game. Suarez finished with 125.
The Gold Glove Award is decided by a vote of MLB managers and coaches. The Phillies’ finalists were Wheeler, Walker, catcher JT Realmuto, and second baseman Bryson Stott. Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno was acquired as a catcher, and Nico Horner of the Cubs was acquired as a second baseman.
Realmuto has won twice so far. Stott has excelled in his first year as a second baseman and should see more picks in the future.
The Phillies’ defense improved significantly as the 2023 season progressed. With Bryce Harper playing first base and Kyle Schwarber moving to designated hitter, they performed above average from neutral. Realmuto and Stott will be defenders at their respective positions, as will Johan Rojas, who the Phillies hope will win the center field job next season after showing improved offensive ability.