The Phillies made an impressive deal when they signed Zack Wheeler after the 2019 season for $118 million over five years. This contract is considered as one of the most significant in the team’s history.
Comparatively, it is noteworthy that other pitchers such as Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg received much larger contracts in that same winter, highlighting the value of Wheeler’s comparatively lower salary.
Since joining Philadelphia in 2020, Wheeler has proven to be an outstanding asset with impressive statistics. He has excelled in strikeouts, wins, innings pitched, and quality starts. Additionally, his combined fWAR and bWAR are unmatched, emphasizing his consistency and durability.
Wheeler’s postseason performance has also been exceptional, further solidifying his worth to the team. His contributions have been crucial in the Phillies’ consecutive NLCS appearances.
Considering all these factors, it is evident that Zack Wheeler’s performance justifies his $118 million contract and positions him as one of the top pitchers in baseball.
Pitcher | GS | IP | K/BB | HR/9 | GB% | ERA | FIP | xFIP | WAR |
Zack Wheeler | 101 | 629.1 | 5.00 | 0.74 | 47.0% | 3.06 | 2.90 | 3.21 | 19.3 |
Looking ahead, the Phillies have expressed interest in extending Wheeler’s contract to secure his talents for an extended period. While Wheeler and his agent may be hesitant due to potential future earnings, a contract extension would provide both parties with added security.
An extension would not only benefit Wheeler but also the Phillies, allowing them to take advantage of the exclusive negotiating window provided in the offseason. With the potential to secure a deal, the Phillies have the opportunity to further benefit from Wheeler’s exceptional talent.