There was never a doubt that the partnership between the Philadelphia Phillies and Zack Wheeler would continue despite the player's slight decline last 2023 season.
The 33-year-old is in the final year of his current contract and is set to earn $23.6 million this 2024 season.
He will become a free agent next season, and the Phillies do not intend to waste time securing a new deal for the 2021 All-Star who joined them in 2021.
"The Philadelphia Phillies have spoken to Zack Wheeler's representation about a new contract as the pitcher heads into the final season of a $118 million, five-year deal," the Associated Press reported.
"Wheeler said last week he prefers reaching an agreement before the season starts March 28."
The terms of the contracts are yet to be divulged, but many expect it to be long-term.
Zack Wheeler's contract demand
Wheeler took less money to be able to come to Philly, and now, he is trying to get something more than what he previously signed up for.
"I do want what I feel like I've earned, I guess you could say," Wheeler said, according to The Athletic.
"But, at the same time, you don't always get that. So, it's just about everybody being happy. I think that is what's the biggest deal. You don't want to be miserable and being paid a lot. It's being happy and getting what you earn."
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His contract, which he signed in 2019, is one of the largest in the Phillies history.
This was broken by Aaron Nola in November last year when he and the club completed a $172 million, seven-year contract or around $24.5 million annually.
The Phillies are not the type of team to hand out a $30 million per year contract to a player.
Instead, they use longer contracts that will bring down the average annual value of a player's deal and prevent exceeding the luxury tax limits.
Wheeler will turn 34, and a long-term deal is not a good option for the Phillies. The Athletic's Matt Gelb said, "A three-year deal with an attainable fourth-year option that would cover Wheeler from ages 35 to 38" might be considered.
Wheeler can get a bigger deal if he ever improves this 2024 season.
He holds a 3.06 ERA over 101 starts in his four seasons with the team. In 2023, he went 13-6 with a 3.61 ERA and 1.08 WHIP.
He did better in the playoffs by posting a 2.42 ERA, the sixth-best among pitchers with ten or more starts.
Agreement between two parties
Although the contract terms are yet to be ironed out, it is no secret that both camps want to stick together.
"Zack would not mislead you. Of course, we've talked," said Dave Dombrowski, Phillies' president of operations.
"It is a priority. We would love to get that deal done."
Wheeler loves Philadelphia. Fans love him, too.
The City of Brotherly Love has every reason to be excited about the new season.
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