Ken Rosenthal thinks a Zack Wheeler extension is ‘simply going to happen’
The Phillies have interest in signing ace Zack Wheeler to an extension this spring and one prominent MLB insider thinks there is a very good chance a deal gets done.
Appearing on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal was asked about the recent José Altuve extension with the Houston Astros and made an interesting point regarding Wheeler:
“To me, the two most predicable things of the offseason were José Altuve signing this extension and one that likely will come, Zack Wheeler signing an extension with the Phillies,” Rosenthal said. “To me, both of those are simply going to happen. One of them already has.”
Rosenthal was referring to Altuve’s five-year, $125 million extension that starts in 2025. Wheeler isn’t the face of the Phillies franchise the way Altuve is for the Astros, but Wheeler is the most important pitcher on the team’s roster. Through four years, Wheeler has established himself as one of the best pitchers in franchise history and a proven postseason performer.
If Bryce Harper is the 1-A face of the Phillies franchise, Wheeler is likely 1-B. Because of that, the Phillies are feeling the urgency to get a deal done soon.
President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski addressed the Wheeler contract situation on a recent appearance on the WIP Morning Show.
“We would love to sign him today, if we could,” Dombrowski said. “I think it’s important that we re-sign him. He’s one of the best pitchers in baseball. We really never get into negotiations publicly, but you can say that it’s something that’s important for us and we would love to get that done. I know [Wheeler] loves it in Philadelphia, loves being part of the organization and I would say it’s a priority for us.”
Wheeler is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2024 season. If a deal does not get done and Wheeler hits the market, the Phillies risk getting outbid. Wheeler would hit free agency without a qualifying offer attached and another team could make him an offer he can’t refuse. His former team, the New York Mets, have been aggressive in trying to sign top free agents without qualifying offers in past years and could look to make a play if that bridge isn’t completely burned. Other luxury tax payers, like the Dodgers and Yankees, could also be in the mix for a pitcher of Wheeler’s caliber.
But it appears there is mutual interest in an extended partnership. Matt Gelb reported in The Athletic that “all indications are the two sides want to find common ground.”
Wheeler is entering the fifth and final year of the $118 million deal he signed with the Phillies in December 2019. A new deal for Wheeler would likely begin in 2025 to keep his luxury tax hit for 2024 at a more affordable $23.6 million.
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