In a move that solidifies their pitching arsenal for the foreseeable future, ace Zack Wheeler has reached an agreement on a contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The organization has reiterated their commitment to winning time and time again … Inking one of baseball’s best pitchers to a contract extension is them putting their money where their mouth is.
Zack Wheeler is staying in Philly pic.twitter.com/pDYIPhNoNi
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) March 4, 2024
The extension is for three-years and $126 million – which is the highest annual salary for any contract extension ever.
A bit overpaid
— Nate (@BigNateTwelve) March 4, 2024
Wheeler, who was entering the final season of his current five-year, $118 million deal, has been instrumental in the Phillies recent successes.
Since joining the team, he has been a standout pitcher, boasting an impressive 3.06 ERA over four seasons with an adjusted ERA+ of 137.
Additionally, he has 675 strikeouts in 629⅓ innings and won the Gold Glove Award last season.
Zack Wheeler and the Phillies have agreed to an extension for a reported 3 years / $126M.
pic.twitter.com/r9RptDkGKv— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) March 4, 2024
The agreement with Wheeler underscores the Phillies commitment to building a formidable roster, having previously made substantial investments in star players like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Aaron Nola.
With the 33-year-old right-hander now locked in for the long term, the Phillies will continue to boast one of the National League’s top rotations to go along with their explosive lineup.
I knew he wouldn't leave Philly.
It's like Acuna with the Braves, Kershaw with the Dodgers and Judge with the Yankees. All 3 guys who will never leave their current teams
— Matt Reichl (@matt12r) March 4, 2024
Wheeler’s journey to becoming a cornerstone of the Phillies pitching staff has been marked by resilience and determination.
Drafted sixth overall by the San Francisco Giants in 2009, he quickly ascended through the ranks as one of baseball’s most coveted prospects. However, it was his trade to the New York Mets in 2011 that truly set the stage for his major league career.
During his tenure with the Mets, Wheeler faced adversity, including injuries that sidelined him for the entire 2015 and 2016 seasons due to a torn elbow ligament and subsequent reconstruction surgery.
Despite these setbacks, Wheeler’s talent and perseverance remained undeniable, ultimately leading to his successful tenure with the Phillies.
Best game I’ve ever seen him pitch.
— ClarkyCards™️ (@ClarkyCards) March 4, 2024
What are your thoughts on Wheeler’s extension?
Did the Phillies overpay? Or is Wheeler deserving of such a massive figure? (Then again, there is no salary cap, so who really cares?)
Looking at the big picture, where do you rank the Phillies among the top contenders in baseball?
Is this the year they break through and win the World Series???
Phillies extended Zack Wheeler but Jason Kelce is probably retiring
Me right now. pic.twitter.com/RcbDSm1Svr
— 𝐾𝑦𝑙𝑒𝑒 シ (@BSP_Sully) March 4, 2024