What Zack Wheeler demands, Zack Wheeler gets.
The right-hand pitcher will continue dazzling for the Philadelphia Phillies after the two camps agreed on a $126 million, three-year deal.
Wheeler, who joined the Phillies in 2020, previously wanted to land a deal, saying he earned it. He came to the team and took less than what he was supposed to get.
His previous deal, set at $118 million for five years, was already among the highest in Philadelphia Phillies history.
It was earlier reported that he was also seeking a shorter contract due to his age.
"Maybe there is a three-year deal with an attainable fourth-year option that would cover Wheeler from ages 35 to 38," The Athletic reported.
"Maybe a potential short-term deal includes deferred money - something the Phillies have not often done - to offset some tax penalties."
Wheeler's latest contract is shorter but is also more lucrative.
The new deal will start in 2025. For 2024, Wheeler will receive $23.5 million, which is still part of his previous contract.
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"I've really just enjoyed being here in Philly," Wheeler said after his new deal was confirmed.
"The fans are the best. Playing in Citizens Bank in October, there's nothing like it."
Zack Wheeler extension is a history-maker
The Phillies kept Wheeler as they try to make history. His latest contract is a history-maker, too.
He now has an average annual value of $42 million, which is the highest in Phillies history. His $126 million is also the highest in all MLB extension deals.
The 2023 Gold Glove awardee also leaped to fourth place on the list of highest AAVs in MLB history.
At the top is new Los Angeles Dodgers recruit and American League MVP Shohei Ohtani, who has an AAV of $46 million (adjusted for deferrals) from this year to 2033. He also has the largest sports contract ever.
The top two is Max Scherzer, who has an annual average salary of $43 million; he signed with the New York Mets. He is now with the Texas Rangers, with whom he won his first World Series last year.
In front of Wheeler is Justin Verlander, who, like Scherzer, will earn $43 million this 2024.
The Phillies also broke their tradition of not giving more than $30 million AAV. The closest to this was Aaron Nola, who, in November last year, agreed to a $172 million, seven-year contract.
Rounding out the Top five is Aaron Judge, who will be with the New York Yankees until 2031 and will earn $40 million each year.
The difference, of course, is that he has the shortest contract in the Top 5.
Although age factored in on the length of his contract, Phillies officials have faith in him.
"What it tells us is we think Zack is as good as anybody in baseball right now," said President of Baseball Operations Dave Dombrowski.
"For us right now, when we look over the last handful of years, we think Zack Wheeler is as fine a pitcher in the game of baseball."
Related article: Zach Wheeler Rolls with the Phillies, Signs 3-Year Extension
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