Ranking the 10 best pitchers in the National League East

5) Best pitchers in the NL East: Zack Wheeler

I'd say a majority of the Mets fanbase wanted Zack Wheeler to stay with the Mets following the 2019 season. While he hadn't quite put it together for a full season, Wheeler's second halves in 2018 and 2019 proved that he was so close to being that ace Mets fans imagined. Unfortunately, the Mets let him walk and sign with their rival down the Turnpike.

Since signing with the Phillies, Wheeler has been nothing short of extraordinary. He had a sub 3.00 ERA in the shortened 2020 season. He then followed that up with his best season as a pro. He went 14-10 with a 2.78 ERA in 32 starts. He led the National League in innings (213.1) and strikeouts (247).

He finished second in the Cy Young voting, which I actually disagreed with. Wheeler pitched in almost 60 more innings than the winner Corbin Burnes, which was overlooked by the voters.

Regardless, Wheeler established himself as one of the game's best pitchers last season. In a season where the Mets pitching was derailed by injuries, Wheeler would've been so helpful.

This season, Wheeler has backed up what he did in 2021. He's gone 11-7 with a 3.07 ERA in 23 starts. He's dealt with some injuries which have limited his workload, but when he's been healthy he's been the same workhorse he was last season for Philadelphia.

Wheeler's ERA actually jumped from 2.63 to the current 3.07 thanks to two rough starts against the Mets. Before those starts, he had thrown a quality start in seven of his previous eight outings.

The Phillies appear likely to make the Wild Card round which is bad news for other opponents. Facing Wheeler and Nola in a three game series is very hard to beat.