Regrading the Phillies' Aaron Nola re-signing
When the Phillies re-signed team ace Aaron Nola to a huge seven-year, $172 million contract, it seemed like an obvious move for both sides but brought up some mixed reactions. On the one hand, bringing back one of the most durable pitchers in the game, who's the heart and soul of the team, could do wonders to help continue the Phillies' winning culture for years to come.
On the other hand, Nola has entered the wrong side of 30. He has posted an ERA above 4.00 in two of his past three seasons and gave up hard contact by allowing the most home runs of his career in a single season last year. As a result, should we worry about whether the long-term contract could eventually become an albatross near the latter half of his contract years if he doesn’t end up living up to the deal?
Nola has undoubtedly put some of that doubt to rest for the time being with his performance so far in 2024. On the year, he's 4-1 with a solid 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP with 36 strikeouts in 39 1/3 innings pitched. He has reverted to his dominant form, as seen in his earlier years with the Phillies. On top of that, he has also been clutch, helping the Phillies with bounce-back victories following a loss in three of his six starts this season.
If Nola can continue to deliver the way he has for the Phillies for the rest of this year and beyond and help them succeed in the regular and postseason, he'll push his grade up to an A. But for now, the Phillies are reaping the benefits of his hot start and are currently keeping pace in close competition with the Atlanta Braves in the battle for the NL East title.
We originally graded Aaron Nola's re-signing B- but upgraded it to B+ after the first month of the season.
Original Grade: B-
Current Grade: B+