Sources report that Zack Wheeler and the Philadelphia Phillies have struck a deal for a three-year extension worth $126 million — a move that will prevent the ace pitcher from hitting free agency later this year.
The Phillies are anticipated to make an official announcement on Monday. Wheeler’s contract boasts an annual salary of $42 million, marking it as the most lucrative extension in baseball history in terms of average annual value. This agreement also places Wheeler’s earnings within reach of the highest-paid pitchers, with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander both securing multiyear contracts averaging $43.3 million upon their free agent signings with the New York Mets ahead of the 2023 season.
2024 marks the final year of his original five-year, $118 million contract, with the Phillies. In 2021, Wheeler was the runner-up for the National League Cy Young. Philadelphia seemingly had an easy choice when it came to trying to keep the ace in town.
Although Wheeler’s new deal doesn’t include a traditional no-trade clause, his imminent acquisition of 10-and-5 rights is on the horizon. With over a decade of service time under his belt and nearing the completion of his fifth season with the Phillies, he’ll possess the ability to veto any potential trades.
The Phillies have no inclination to entertain the idea of trading Wheeler given his impressive track record since joining the team. Boasting a 3.06 ERA over his first four seasons in Philadelphia, with an adjusted ERA+ of 137, Wheeler has notched an impressive 675 strikeouts across 629⅓ innings. He has also led the Majors in innings pitched (2021) and won a Gold Glove Award last season.
From the onset of Wheeler’s tenure with the Phillies, owner John Middleton vehemently dismissed any speculation about trading the right-hander. He famously quipped that he wouldn’t part with Wheeler even for baseball legends like Babe Ruth or Ted Williams. With Wheeler and Nola secured under long-term contracts, and Ranger Suarez emerging as a formidable No. 3 starter, the Phillies’ starting rotation appears solidified for the foreseeable future.
