Phillies’ Ace Expected to Land Similar Deals to Scherzer, Verlander
The Philadelphia Phillies’ calm offseason was highlighted by the re-signing pitcher Aaron Nola. Rumors have circulated that they are interested in Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, but it is unclear whether they will ultimately sign either.
The Phillies have made extending Zack Wheeler a priority.
It was claimed that the two were working on an extension before Spring Training, but that does not appear to be happening. With pitchers and catchers from each team reporting on Thursday, a deal would need to be completed within a week.
They have all of Spring Training to work out an agreement, so it shouldn’t be a big deal.
According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Wheeler is a strong candidate for an extension.
He writes that Philadelphia’s top objective is to prolong him farther. He is coming off a five-year, $118 million contract and may be in the market for a short-term deal with a high average annual value, according to the insider.
He compares this potential contract to Max Scherzer’s and Justin Verlander’s, which would likely cost $40 million or more each year.
The 2021 All-Star has spent four seasons with the Phillies, where he has been a key member of a rotation that has regularly been among the best in baseball. His 2023 season was his weakest with the club, with an ERA higher than 3.00 for the first time in four years.
Pitching remains a top goal for Philadelphia, making now an ideal time to sign an extension. Wheeler has demonstrated he can pitch in high-pressure situations in a city that expects a lot from its players.
Finding someone like Wheeler would be difficult.
