The Philadelphia Phillies have had a relatively quiet offseason, outside of re-signing Aaron Nola to a seven-year deal and giving manager Rob Thomson a contract extension.
However, with spring training starting next month, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Phillies make an additional few moves, specifically in the starting rotation, where they have another Cy Young candidate who is due for a pay adjustment.
Phillies Rumors: Philadelphia Wants To Sign Zack Wheeler To Extension
In an appearance on Foul Territory Monday, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said, “The Phillies want to extend Wheeler. He’s been a success in Philadelphia.” Rosenthal also added that he expects it to get done in spring training.
It was an interesting hypothetical question posed to Rosenthal about which teams could trade a starting pitcher to sign someone else. However, the MLB insider is correct in saying that the Phillies want to keep Wheeler in Philly long-term.
Surprisingly, it’s not the first time we’ve heard Wheeler and contract extension mentioned in the same breath.
MLB.com’s Todd Zolecki reported in December that the Phillies’ No. 1 priority is signing Wheeler to a contract extension. Zolecki added that Philadelphia always planned to pursue it, even if they signed Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
The 33-year-old Wheeler is entering the final year of a five-year, $118 million contract that he signed with the Phillies in Dec. 2019. Since arriving in Philadelphia, Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in the National League and majors.
Last season, Wheeler produced a 13-6 record and a 3.61 ERA in 32 starts. He also recorded 212 strikeouts (second-highest in his career) in 192 innings pitched. The veteran starting pitcher had a sub-3.00 ERA in his first three seasons with the Phillies.
Wheeler also has been an electrifying pitcher in the playoffs and has proven to be a perennial Cy Young candidate. If Nola can keep the ball in the yard this season, he and Wheeler can get the Phillies back to the postseason and hopefully win the National League pennant (+700 on FanDuel Sportsbook) for the second time in the last three years.
