Phillies Sign Wheeler to Record-Breaking Contract Extension
The Philadelphia Phillies have secured a groundbreaking 3-year, $126 million contract extension for starting pitcher Zack Wheeler. With an average annual salary of $42 million, this deal sets a new record in the world of sports contracts. Wheeler’s salary now rivals those of top-tier players in the league, including Shohei Ohtani, Max Scherzer, and Justin Verlander. Scherzer and Verlander hold the record for the highest single-season earnings at $43.33 million, placing Wheeler in the same league as these esteemed pitchers.
Wheeler’s Career and Contract Details
Zack Wheeler began his career with the New York Mets, posting a record of 44 wins and 38 losses with a 3.77 ERA over 5 seasons. Since joining the Philadelphia Phillies in 2020, Wheeler has showcased his prowess on the mound, earning 14 wins and 10 losses with a remarkable 2.78 ERA and leading the National League in strikeouts with 247 in the 2021 season.
“I enjoy pitching, and I want to stay here, but I don’t want to pitch too late in life. I want to be with my family,” said Wheeler, who has completed 10 years in Major League Baseball, including 5 years with the Phillies. He will now benefit from the 10-5 rule (which grants players with 10 years in the league and 5 years with their current team the right to refuse trades), ensuring his tenure with the Phillies until retirement.
Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski praised Wheeler as not only the best pitcher but also the best postseason pitcher, emphasizing his stellar performance in playoff games with an ERA of 2.42, even better than his regular-season performance.
Wheeler Unveils New Weapon in Spring Training
Fresh off signing the record-breaking $39.8 billion contract extension with the Phillies, Zack Wheeler showcased his skills in the spring training game against the Orioles. While allowing 1 run in 2 innings pitched, Wheeler demonstrated a new pitch that he plans to use in the upcoming season.
Wheeler introduced a new splitter, a pitch he hadn’t used in regular-season games since 2020. Despite some adjustments, Wheeler expressed satisfaction with the pitch’s performance, aiming for consistency and increased usage in the future.
Wheeler’s versatility on the mound has been evident in his pitch selection, primarily relying on fastballs and sliders, with occasional curveballs and changeups. His ability to adapt and introduce new pitches reflects his dedication to improving and staying ahead of hitters.
MLB’s Highest Average Salary Extension: Phillies Commit Nearly $40 Billion to Wheeler
The Philadelphia Phillies have announced a monumental contract extension for ace pitcher Zack Wheeler, totaling $126 million over 3 years, setting a new record for the highest average annual salary in MLB history at nearly $42 million per year.
Wheeler, who previously played for the New York Mets, has been a vital asset to the Phillies since signing a 5-year, $118 million contract with them in 2019. Over the past 4 seasons with the Phillies, Wheeler has amassed impressive statistics, including 43 wins, 25 losses, and a 3.06 ERA, solidifying his position as a top pitcher in the league.
With his outstanding performance in the postseason, Wheeler has proven himself as a reliable and dominant force on the mound, contributing to the Phillies’ competitive edge in pursuit of the World Series title. (Lvbet)