History of Zack Wheeler in Timeline

Zack Wheeler is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He previously played for the New York Mets. Wheeler is known for his fastball velocity and overall pitching ability, making him a valuable asset to his team's rotation.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1986: Youngest Mets Pitcher

In 1986, Doc Gooden was the youngest Mets pitcher.

May 30, 1990: Zack Wheeler Born

On May 30, 1990, Zachary Harrison Wheeler, later known as a professional baseball pitcher, was born.

2008: Region Pitcher of the Year

In 2008, as a junior, Zack Wheeler was named the Georgia High School Association 4A Region Pitcher of the Year.

August 17, 2009: Signs with Giants

On August 17, 2009, Zack Wheeler chose to sign with the San Francisco Giants, including a $3.3 million signing bonus.

2009: Drafted by San Francisco Giants

In 2009, Zack Wheeler led his high school team to a state playoff appearance and pitched a no-hitter. He was then selected sixth overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 2009 MLB Draft, choosing to sign with them instead of playing college baseball.

2009: Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year

In 2009, Zack Wheeler was named the Gatorade Georgia Player of the Year and pitched a no-hitter against Mill Creek High School.

2010: Minor League Baseball

In 2010, Zack Wheeler played for the Giants' minor league teams and participated in the All-Star Futures Game in Anaheim, California.

2010: Class A Augusta GreenJackets

In 2010, Zack Wheeler was assigned to the Class A Augusta GreenJackets and was placed on the disabled list due to a fingernail injury, later returning to make relief appearances and re-entering the starting rotation. He also made an appearance at the 2010 All-Star Futures Game in Anaheim, California.

July 2011: Traded to the Mets

In July 2011, Zack Wheeler was traded to the New York Mets after playing for the Giants' minor league teams in 2010 and 2011.

July 28, 2011: Traded to Mets

On July 28, 2011, Zack Wheeler was traded to the New York Mets in exchange for Carlos Beltrán and cash.

2011: Class A-Advanced San Jose Giants

Prior to the 2011 season, Zack Wheeler was named a top prospect in the Giants organization. He was assigned to the Class A-Advanced San Jose Giants and appeared in the 2011 California League All-Star Game.

July 14, 2012: Complete Game Shutout

On July 14, 2012, Zack Wheeler pitched his first professional complete game shutout in a 1-0 victory over the Erie SeaWolves.

August 1, 2012: Promoted to Triple-A Buffalo Bisons

On August 1, 2012, Zack Wheeler was promoted to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

2012: Toronto Blue Jays Affiliation

During the 2012 offseason, the Buffalo Bisons chose to reaffiliate with the Toronto Blue Jays.

June 18, 2013: MLB Debut

On June 18, 2013, Zack Wheeler made his major league debut, pitching six shutout innings against the Atlanta Braves.

2013: Las Vegas 51s

In 2013, Zack Wheeler began pitching for the Las Vegas 51s of the Pacific Coast League.

2013: Expected Major League Debut

In 2013, Zack Wheeler was expected to open the season with Buffalo and potentially make his major league debut that year.

June 19, 2014: Complete-Game Shutout

On June 19, 2014, Zack Wheeler pitched a complete-game shutout against the Miami Marlins, facing only 28 batters.

March 16, 2015: Torn UCL

On March 16, 2015, it was announced that Zack Wheeler had torn the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow and would undergo Tommy John surgery on March 25.

2015: Jersey Retirement

In 2015, East Paulding High School retired Zack Wheeler's No. 45 jersey.

2015: Tommy John Surgery

In 2015, Zack Wheeler's development was halted when he tore his ulnar collateral ligament during spring training, requiring Tommy John surgery.

April 2016: Second Elbow Surgery

In early April 2016, Zack Wheeler underwent a second surgery to remove an undissolved stitch in his elbow, pushing his expected return to after the MLB All-Star break.

July 2016: Targeted Return

In July 2016, the Mets targeted Zack Wheeler's return to the rotation after his rehabilitation from Tommy John surgery.

2016: Rehabilitation Setbacks

In 2016, Zack Wheeler faced setbacks during his rehabilitation, delaying his return.

January 11, 2017: Signs with Mets

On January 11, 2017, Zack Wheeler signed a one-year, $800,000 contract with the Mets, avoiding arbitration.

2017: Return to the Mound

After setbacks, Zack Wheeler returned to the mound in 2017.

2017: Injury-Limited Season

In 2017, Zack Wheeler's season was limited due to injury.

September 19, 2018: Mets Shut Down Wheeler for Season

On September 19, 2018, Mets manager Mickey Callaway confirmed that Zack Wheeler's pitching season was over. This decision came as Wheeler's 187+1⁄3 innings pitched had more than doubled his 2017 totals.

2018: Career-High Strikeouts

In 2018, Zack Wheeler had a career-high number of strikeouts and innings pitched.

December 9, 2019: Wheeler signs with the Phillies

On December 9, 2019, Zack Wheeler signed a five-year, $118 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies as a free agent.

December 2019: Signs with Phillies

In December 2019, Zack Wheeler became a free agent and signed a five-year deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.

July 20, 2020: Birth of son

On July 20, 2020, Zack Wheeler and his wife Dominique welcomed their first child, a son, shortly before the start of the pandemic-shortened 2020 MLB season.

July 25, 2020: Wheeler Debuts with Phillies

On July 25, 2020, Zack Wheeler made his debut with the Philadelphia Phillies, securing a 7–1 victory against the Miami Marlins. This occurred less than a week after the birth of his son, Wesley.

2020: Fingernail Injury

During the shortened 2020 season, Zack Wheeler missed part of the season due to a fingernail injury.

2021: Franchise Record

In 2021, Zack Wheeler became the third pitcher in franchise history to strike out 10 or more batters in three consecutive starts.

March 4, 2024: Wheeler signs contract extension with Phillies

On March 4, 2024, Zack Wheeler signed a three-year, $126 million contract extension with the Phillies.

June 9, 2025: Wheeler Records 1,000th Career Strikeout

On June 9, 2025, Zack Wheeler recorded his 1,000th career strikeout as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, striking out Kyle Tucker in the sixth inning. He is the 10th player in franchise history to reach 1,000 strikeouts in a Phillies uniform.