MLB Rumors: Phillies, Zack Wheeler Have 'Keen Interest' in Contract Extension

The Philadelphia Phillies and Zack Wheeler reportedly have a mutual interest in extending the starting pitcher's contract, per the New York Post's Jon Heyman.

"The Phillies are hoping to extend 33-year-old ace Zack Wheeler's contract beyond 2024," Heyman wrote. "Both sides are believed to have a keen interest in working it out. Philly is good about taking care of its best people."

Wheeler is entering the final season of his five-year, $118 million contract in 2024 and will be an unrestricted free agent in 2025 should the sides not reach an extension.

Last season, Wheeler recorded a 3.61 ERA and 1.08 WHIP, notching 212 strikeouts in 32 starts.

Wheeler was pivotal for the Phillies in the 2023 postseason, posting a 1.95 ERA en route to an NLCS appearance. The veteran has notched a 2.42 career playoff ERA, which is good for the sixth-best among pitchers with 10 or more starts.

Earlier this week at spring training, Philadelphia's president of operations Dave Dombrowski expressed his interest in extending Wheeler to a long-term deal.

"Zack would not mislead you. Of course, we've talked," Dombrowski said. "It is a priority. We would love to get that deal done."

The Phillies have a recent history of splashing big money on star players—they signed Bryce Harper to a 13-year, $330 million deal in 2019 and Trea Turner to an 11-year, $300 million pact ahead of last season. Now, Philadelphia will be looking to sign Wheeler for the long haul and keep together the core that has led the team to a pair of successful seasons.