The Philadelphia Phillies' ace is still right-hander Zack Wheeler. He'll be 36 years old in May, with the bulk of his career now behind him. Wheeler is under contract for the next two seasons, with plans to retire when it expires following the 2027 season.
Atlanta Braves left-hander Chris Sale was in a similar boat when it comes to contract status, but his new deal now secures him for the next few seasons. The deal could present an enticing opportunity for the Phillies and Wheeler to continue their partnership while giving Wheeler some more say year-to-year.
Sale will be turning 37 this season but was working on an expiring contract. On Tuesday, he and the Braves agreed to a one-year, $27 million extension with a $30 million club option in 2028. The deal could potentially keep Sale in the NL East through his age-39 season. What that contract shows, outside the Braves being willing to keep their ace, is that there could be a path for the Phillies to keep Wheeler in Philadelphia a little longer.
Phillies could change the narrative of Zack Wheeler's impending retirement with new contract offer
Sale's deal is good for the Braves and something similar could be an even better one for Wheeler, with a few tweaks. Wheeler openly said that his plan is to retire (subscription required) after his three-year, $126 million contract is up after 2027, but the Phillies could present a new deal with a player option after every year. They could give Wheeler more money but also give him an out if he wants to hang it up. The offer would also show the respect that Wheeler has garnered in the clubhouse to go out on his terms.
Wheeler has come close to winning two Cy Young Awards as a member of the Phillies and was on track as a favoritelast season before his year ended early. Fans still believe he's that elite pitcher. That's also considering him going through the thoracic outlet syndrome injury and that he can bounce back.
In 2025, he finished with a 2.71 ERA and 195 strikeouts in just 149 2/3 innings. Hard to believe this could have been his down year, but that's the type of numbers Wheeler has put up in Philadelphia.
There may never be another contract after this one, and who knows what happens with a potential lockout in 2027? Wheeler may still feel the same way, calling it a career in two years. Phillies fans would understand, but it never hurts to ask, especially when we're talking about one of the greatest starting pitchers in franchise history.