While the previous offseason lacked notable depth in the starting pitcher class for teams, the upcoming season shows promise. Pitchers like Corbin Burnes, Zack Wheeler, Max Fried, Walker Buehler, and Shane Bieber were set to become free agents next year.
Dylan Cease was also a potential trade candidate. However, the Philadelphia Phillies have now secured their top pitcher to stay in the City of Brotherly Love, taking one standout player off the market.
Pillies and Zack Wheeler Reach Agreement on Contract Extension
Zack Wheeler’s 3-year, $126 million extension is the highest annual salary for any contract extension ever.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN)
Wheeler’s impact on Philadelphia
Securing this deal holds significant importance for the Phillies. The team recently finalized a new contract with Aaron Nola earlier in the offseason. Following a variable stint with the New York Mets, Wheeler has excelled with the Phillies. In his four-year tenure in Philadelphia, Wheeler boasts a record of 43-25 with a 3.06 ERA and 675 strikeouts. His standout performance unfolded in 2021 when he achieved a record of 14-10, along with career-best figures in ERA (2.82), strikeouts (247), and innings pitched (213.1). Noteworthy is his effectiveness in postseason play, evidenced by a 2.78 ERA during their 2022 journey to the World Series and a 1.95 ERA in the last postseason. With both Nola and now Wheeler secured long-term, Philadelphia is poised with their top two pitchers for the forthcoming years as they strive for a championship title.
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