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The Philadelphia Phillies acquired fortunate this offseason. That will not occur once more.
The Phillies had provided Aaron Nola an extension earlier than the 2023 season however couldn’t agree on a deal. He entered free company solely to rapidly re-sign in Philadelphia on a seven-year deal price $172 million. In the end, the Phillies had been fortunate that Nola wished to return after getting a short style of the market. They will not be as fortunate with Zack Wheeler.
Proper now, the Phillies are taking the identical strategy with Wheeler as they did with Nola. Todd Zoleski of MLB.com reported that the Phillies nonetheless think about extending Wheeler as a precedence and are nonetheless working in that route.
Wheeler has established himself as among the best pitchers within the sport since signing with the Phillies. That continued in 2023 as he posted a 3.61 ERA and a 1.078 WHIP over his 192 innings, placing out 212 batters with 39 walks. He isn’t displaying any indicators of slowing down, though he’ll flip 34 years previous in the course of the upcoming season.
That’s the balancing act the Phillies want to think about. Wheeler is a top-of-the-rotation starter and shall be tough to exchange. He’s additionally going to command a big contract ought to he attain the open market.
The Phillies may also should weigh the size of the contract Wheeler is in search of. A Max Scherzer kind of deal could also be extra palatable than a five-year extension, particularly with the kind of wage he’ll obtain.
Age catches up with us all. That would be the identical with Wheeler regardless of his well being over the previous six years. That should be an element for the Phillies however they could don’t have any different alternative in the event that they wish to preserve their ace. Both means, they can’t afford to attend for the offseason to deliver him again.
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