The Philadelphia Phillies have locked in their veteran right-handed starter, Zack Wheeler, for the long haul with a multi-year extension, extending beyond the end of his original contract. The deal, reported by The Athletic, is a lucrative three-year agreement valued at $126 million, slated to commence next season.
Approaching his 34th birthday in late May, Wheeler enters his 10th MLB season, marking his fifth with the Phillies. Throughout his career, he’s amassed an impressive 87-63 record with a commendable 3.45 ERA. Notably, his tenure in Philadelphia has been particularly stellar, boasting a 43-25 record coupled with a remarkable 3.06 ERA, earning him Cy Young votes in multiple seasons. Since joining the Phillies in 2019, Baseball Reference estimates Wheeler has contributed 19.6 of his total 28.7 Wins Above Replacement.
Despite battling a bout of right forearm tendinitis in 2022, Wheeler’s track record reflects consistent performance and durability. While a previous Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, followed by further arm troubles in 2017, his recent years have been marked by reliability both on the mound and in health.
With Wheeler’s unprecedented $42 million annual average value (AAV), the Phillies secure a historic franchise investment, cementing his status as one of the highest-paid players in MLB history..
