The Phillies have the two best pitchers in the National League and honestly, it’s not even close

If you’re still not buying the Phillies as a serious World Series contender, look no further than the top of their rotation — where Zack Wheeler and Jesús Luzardo are putting together one of the most dominant 1-2 punches in baseball.

Forget potential. The numbers are already here, and they’re filthy.

Phillies’ Ace No. 1: Zack Wheeler

64.0 IP – Most in the NL
2.67 ERA – Tied for 8th
80 strikeouts – 2nd in NL
2.3 WAR – 2nd among NL pitchers
0.89 WHIP – Best in the NL
.196 BAA – Tied for 6th

Wheeler is a machine. He’s going deeper into games than anyone in the league, dominating hitters with pinpoint control and velocity that plays late. He’s not just an ace — he’s pitching like a Cy Young frontrunner again.

And then there’s Jesús Luzardo, who’s quietly putting together a historic season of his own:

Phillies Ace No. 2: Jesús Luzardo

60.0 IP – 6th in the NL
1.95 ERA – 3rd in the NL
67 strikeouts – 6th in NL
2.9 WAR – Leads all NL pitchers
1.15 WHIP
.231 BAA

But here’s the stat that really puts it into perspective:

Since ERA became an official stat in both leagues in 1913, only two left-handed pitchers have started a season with an undefeated record, a sub-2.00 ERA, and 10.00+ K/9 over their first 10 starts.

One is Randy Johnson in 1995. The other is Jesús Luzardo in 2025.

That’s not just elite company — that’s all-time stuff.

The Phillies are suffocating teams with power pitching. And while the offense has been solid, make no mistake: it’s the arms of Wheeler and Luzardo carrying this team to the top of the NL standings.

On top of that, Andrew Painter and Mick Abel are ready and waiting? Sheesh. Good luck matching up in a postseason series.