Wheeler, Phillies Agree to Multi-Year Contract Extension
Prior to the start of Spring Training, Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies had aspirations of reaching a contract extension ahead of Opening Day. Wheeler, who signed with the Phillies in 2020, was entering the final year of his current five-year, $118 million contract. On Monday morning, ESPN’s Buster Olney reported that Wheeler and the Phillies had reached a three-year, $126 million extension, with no player or team option. Since coming to the Phillies, Wheeler and ace Aaron Nola have become a dominant top-of-the-rotation duo that has stifled opposing hitters on a nightly basis. Now, the Phillies will be able to reap the benefit of continuing to have two of the best-starting pitchers in Philadelphia for years to come.
Wheeler, 33, was drafted in the first round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants, where he was traded to the New York Mets in 2011. The 2023 Gold Glove Award winner would make his MLB debut on June 18, 2013, against the Atlanta Braves, where Wheeler pitched six shutout innings. During his five-year tenure with the Mets, Wheeler faced inconsistencies on the mound and dealt with several injuries that led to Wheeler bouncing in and out of the Mets’ bullpen and starting rotation. Wheeler ended his Mets career with a 44-38 record, 3.88 ERA, 726 strikeouts, and 700 hits allowed.
With the hopes of finding a fresh start to rejuvenating his career, Wheeler signed with the Phillies ahead of the 2020 season. Since coming to Philadelphia, Wheeler has been able to flip a switch and has turned himself into one of the league’s best-starting pitchers. With the Phillies, Wheeler has recorded a 43-25 record, 3.03 ERA, 675 strikeouts, and a 1.08 WHIP. During the 2021 season, Wheeler would have a career season where he finished with 247 strikeouts (NL-best) and, a 2.78 ERA and would finish second in NL CY Young Award voting behind former Brewers’ pitcher Corbin Burnes. After falling a game short of the 2023 World Series, Wheeler and the Phillies will be looking for a different ending this season as they aim to win their first World Series title since 2008.
