The Philadelphia Phillies have reached a new agreement with their star pitcher Zack Wheeler, officially confirming the deal on Monday. Wheeler has signed a three-year extension, ensuring his presence within the team until the end of the 2027 MLB season.
The Phillies were eager to secure Wheeler’s services under a new contract, especially with his impending free agency at the conclusion of the 2024 season. To achieve this, they reportedly offered him a groundbreaking contract valued at $126 million over three years.
Wheeler’s extension marks the largest-ever deal for a player in MLB history in terms of average annual salary, with him set to earn $42 million annually. While Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander receive higher annual salaries at $43.33 million each, their contracts were signed as free agents.
The Wheels are still rolling in Philly pic.twitter.com/dR53ZnaqjQ
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 4, 2024
During the 2023 season, Wheeler showcased his prowess on the mound, pitching a total of 192.0 innings. With a record of 13 wins and 6 losses, he maintained a solid 3.61 ERA and recorded an impressive 212 strikeouts. Additionally, he was honored with a Gold Glove Award for his outstanding fielding performance.
Expressing his sentiments to reporters on Monday, Wheeler emphasized his passion for pitching and his desire to remain with the team. While he enjoys the competitive aspect of the game, he also values spending time with his family and acknowledges the finite nature of his career. Despite this, he treasures every opportunity he gets to step onto the mound, recognizing it as a special privilege that not everyone experiences, especially for as long as he has. He expressed gratitude for his journey in the sport.
