The Philadelphia Phillies have reached a multi-year extension agreement with seasoned right-handed starter Zack Wheeler, ensuring his tenure beyond the expiration of his original contract at the end of the 2024 season. The deal is for three years and worth $126 million, starting in 2025. The deal also does not include opt-outs or options.
"We think Zack is as good as anyone in baseball right
now." said Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. "We think he's one of the finer pitchers in
all of baseball."
Entering his 10th MLB season and his fifth with the Phillies, Wheeler, who will turn 34 in late May, brings a wealth of experience to the mound. Throughout his career, he has compiled an impressive 87-63 record with a 3.45 ERA. Notably, his performance in Philadelphia has been exceptional, boasting a record of 43-25 with a stellar 3.06 ERA, along with receiving Cy Young votes in three separate seasons.
According to Baseball Reference's estimates, Wheeler has contributed 19.6 of his total 28.7 Wins Above Replacement since joining the Phillies following the 2019 season. He's also been dominant in the postseason, posting a
2.42 ERA - the sixth best in MLB history (minimum 10 starts).
"In the postseason when he takes that ball, I can't think of anyone I want to be there more than Zack," Dombrowski said.
Wheeler's new contract, valued at $42 million annually, marks the highest average annual salary for an extension in baseball history.
"Be consistent, and be consistently good," Wheeler said. "I love those
big moments and I really just enjoy being here in Philly. These fans are
the best and playing at Citizens Bank Park in October, there's nothing
else like it ... this is a first class organization, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," Wheeler said.
(Updating ...)
