Zack Wheeler, when he first joined the Phillies, expressed his desire to pitch at the highest level in December 2019. Although he had never received a Cy Young Award vote and was not considered an ace, Wheeler has now proven himself to be one of the top pitchers in the sport. In recognition of his talent, the Phillies have agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract extension with him, making it the highest-ever annual salary for a Phillies player and the fourth-highest average annual value for any player.
Since 2020, Wheeler’s 3.06 ERA ranks ninth among starters with at least 350 innings pitched. He has also accumulated the most WAR during that time span, based on FanGraphs’ version of the metric. This extension is a testament to the Phillies’ belief in Wheeler’s potential and his ability to sustain his performance in the years to come.
The decision to extend Wheeler’s contract is a calculated one. Unlike other top-of-the-rotation starters his age, Wheeler hasn’t logged as many innings due to injuries earlier in his career. With 1,378 2/3 innings in the majors, he has accumulated significantly fewer innings than pitchers like Cole Hamels and Roy Halladay by the same age. This factor played a role in the shorter-term deal agreed upon by both parties.
Wheeler’s $42 million average annual salary during the extension is surpassed only by Shohei Ohtani, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander. When combined with the remaining money on his current deal, Wheeler will earn $149.5 million over the next four seasons, which is slightly higher than his friend and former teammate Jacob deGrom’s salary with the Texas Rangers.
The Phillies now have their two best starters, Wheeler and Aaron Nola, locked into the rotation for the foreseeable future. Nola signed a seven-year, $172 million contract at the start of the offseason, further solidifying the team’s pitching staff.
Looking ahead, Wheeler’s trajectory and performance indicate that he has the potential to be remembered as one of the Phillies’ greatest acquisitions since the inception of free agency. His consistent presence in the rotation and impressive statistics make him a valuable asset to the team.
In analyzing these developments, it is clear that the Phillies are prioritizing pitching talent and securing long-term commitments from their top performers. This strategy not only strengthens the team’s chances of success on the field but also demonstrates a commitment to creating a competitive and sustainable roster.
Furthermore, the Phillies’ investment in Wheeler highlights the increasing salaries and financial commitments in professional baseball. With players like Ohtani, Scherzer, and Verlander surpassing the $40 million annual salary mark, it raises questions about the financial viability of maintaining a successful team while accommodating high-priced contracts.
In terms of industry trends, we can expect to see a continued emphasis on developing and acquiring pitching talent. As teams recognize the value of strong starting rotation and the impact it has on overall team performance, investments in pitching will remain a priority. This trend may also lead to increased competition and bidding wars for top pitchers in the years to come.
Overall, the extension of Zack Wheeler’s contract with the Phillies signifies the team’s confidence in his abilities and reaffirms their commitment to building a strong pitching staff. The implications of this decision extend beyond the team’s immediate future, shedding light on the financial landscape of professional baseball and the value placed on pitching talent. As the industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how teams navigate the delicate balance between financial commitments and on-field success.