The Phillies' news from last Monday was overshadowed by Jason Kelce's retirement. Don't get me wrong, it should have been, but let's dive into the extension the Phillies gave Zack Wheeler, shall we?
Currently, Wheeler is in the last year of his initial Phillies contract. He signed this deal in 2020 (at Age 30) for five years and 118 Million. That brings his AAV (Average Annual Value) to around 23.5 million.
Wheeler's extension, which goes into effect at the end of the 2024 season, is three years and 126 Million. That brings his AAV to 42 million per season. He would also be a free agent after the 2027 season. This is one of the most lucrative contract extensions in MLB History. Max Scherzer & Justin Verlander had AAV’s of 43.3 million.
Wheeler and the Phillies had both wanted to come to an agreement. Dave Dombrowski (President of Baseball Operations) said the following about Wheeler.
"We said, 'Well, let's establish right now he's one of the best pitchers in baseball. Is he first, second, or third? We don't have to get into that. But he's one of the best. And the reality is, when you start not only talking about being one of the best pitchers, he's one of the best big-game pitchers in the game of baseball. So in the postseason, when he takes that ball, I can't think of anybody that I would rather have to take the mound than Zack."
Wheeler also noted his love for the team: "This is a first-class organization, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
The deal doesn't have a no-trade clause, but Wheeler, due to service time, can veto any trade.
As a Phillie, Wheeler has a 3.06 ERA in 101 starts and 675 strikeouts over 629 1/3 innings. He has won a gold glove in 2023 and was an All-Star in 2021.
Wheeler is also phenomenal in the postseason. He has a 0.73 WHIP in 10 starts (the lowest in any 10-start span in the postseason). The next closest is Verlander, at 0.76 WHIP. Wheeler's stats are also the lowest in postseason history for a career minimum of 50 innings pitched.
Regarding the postseason, Wheeler notes, "I love those big moments," Wheeler said. "I don't know. I really just enjoy being here in Philly. The fans are the best. Playing in Citizens Bank in October, there's nothing like it."
With Wheeler secured, teammate Aaron Nola re-signed (172 million/7 years), and Ranger Suarez as a steady third, Philadelphia's starting rotation looks pretty good.
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