Philadelphia Phillies and ace pitcher Zack Wheeler have reached a significant agreement, finalizing a $126 million, three-year contract for the 2025-2027 seasons. This deal includes an impressive average salary of $42 million, making it the fourth-highest in baseball history. The Phillies have scheduled a press conference at their spring training complex in Clearwater, Florida, at 11 a.m. EST to announce this exciting development.
Wheeler, who is currently in the last year of his $118 million, five-year contract with the Phillies, will receive $23.5 million this year. As part of the new agreement, the 33-year-old right-hander will see a substantial increase in his yearly salary to $42 million. Additionally, Wheeler will be provided with a hotel suite during road trips and has committed to making a $100,000 charitable contribution each year.
With this new contract, Wheeler's average salary ranks behind only Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers ($70 million), Max Scherzer of the Texas Rangers ($43.33 million), and Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros ($43.33 million). Wheeler has been a standout performer for the Phillies, leading the National League in strikeouts and innings over the past four seasons and boasting an impressive Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 19.3 during his time with the team.
Having overcome injury setbacks earlier in his career, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Wheeler has emerged as a reliable starter, making 90 starts in the last three seasons. His achievements include being the runner-up for the NL Cy Young Award in 2021 and winning a Gold Glove last season.
With Wheeler and Aaron Nola, another top-tier right-hander, now locked in with long-term contracts, the Phillies have solidified their starting rotation for the foreseeable future. Wheeler's postseason performance has also been impressive, with a 2.42 ERA in 11 playoff appearances.
The Phillies' commitment to investing in top talent reflects their ambition to secure their first World Series title since 2008. Team owner John Middleton has been proactive in signing key players like Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber, while also extending lucrative deals to core players such as Nola, Wheeler, and catcher J.T. Realmuto.
Throughout his career, Wheeler has amassed a record of 87-63 with a 3.45 ERA in 227 starts since his debut with the New York Mets in 2013.
For more MLB news, visit AP MLB.
