Phillies Ace Is Anticipated to Sign a Contract Like Scherzer and Verlander
The Philadelphia Phillies’ quiet offseason was headlined by re-signing Aaron Nola. Rumors have been flirted about them possibly being in the mix for Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, although it’s uncertain if they’ll eventually land either. For the Phillies, extending Zack Wheeler has been a priority of theirs.
It was said that the two were working towards an extension before Spring Training, but that doesn’t look to be happening. With pitchers and catchers for every team reporting by Thursday, a deal would need to get done within the week. They have all of Spring Training to figure out a deal, so it shouldn’t be much of an issue. According to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, Wheeler is considered a top candidate for an extension.
He writes that Philadelphia’s No. 1 priority is to extend him still. He’s coming off a five-year, $118 million contract, and could be in the ballpark for a short-term deal with a high average annual value, according to the insider. He compares this possible contract to Max Scherzer’s and Justin Verlander’s that would presumably would cost $40 million or more per year.
The 2021 All-Star has spent four seasons with the Phillies and has been a staple in a rotation that’s consistently one of the best in baseball. His 2023 season was the worst during his time with the club, posting an ERA over 3.00 for the first time in four seasons. Pitching continues to be a priority for Philadelphia, making this a perfect time to get an extension done. Wheeler’s proven he can pitch in high-pressure moments in a city that expects a lot out of its players.
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Bryce Harper might not get what he wants from the Phillies this time around
The Phillies may not be in a hurry to offer Bryce Harper a new contract after his agent suggested that his client was interested in an extension.
Earlier this winter, Bryce Harper’s representation, The Boras Corporation, suggested they would like to engage in contract extension talks with the Philadelphia Phillies this offseason. The request was seen as unusual when it was first reported. After all, Harper still has eight years remaining on a 13-year deal that the slugger signed prior to the 2019 season.
During his recent appearance on 94WIP’s The Morning Show, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski was asked if any extension talks had begun with the club’s new full-time first baseman.
“We know he’s a Phillie for eight more years and there’s a lot of time to digest things,” Dombrowski said. “But it’s a situation where we’re thrilled that he’s on board and again, you can desire and want anything you would like, but I think it’s also, knowing Bryce, when he gets to spring training under any circumstances, he’s ready to go.”
From the sounds of things, it doesn’t appear that the Phillies are in a major rush to enter extension talks with Harper and Scott Boras. It is unorthodox for an agent to ask for an extension this far ahead of a contract expiring. What’s the reasoning behind asking for an extension when there’s still so much time left on a deal?
What is Bryce Harper worth?
It’s likely that Harper and his camp feel that he is underpaid. Most of the general population would not think that a player making over $25 million a year is underpaid; however, in the business of baseball, Harper’s deal is extremely team friendly.
Harper will make $26 million per season through 2028 — his age 35 season. He’ll make $22 million per season for the final three seasons of his contract. When he signed his $330 million deal, Harper had signed the highest total dollar amount in baseball. Since then, multiple players have collected deals that surpass the Phillies’ first baseman’s contract.
Harper will be the 23rd-highest player in baseball this coming season, according to Spotrac. However, when it comes to actual player value, he should probably be making much more than that. For reference, Patrick Corbin, Stephen Strasburg, Kris Bryant, and Anthony Rendon will all collect larger paychecks.
It is likely wise for the Phillies to avoid extending any player — even if he is the face of the franchise — this far in advance of a deal expiring. Eight years is a long time, and who knows what could happen between now and then. If Harper is as healthy and productive as he plans to be when there are two or three years left, then perhaps the club could look at extending and compensating their MVP at that time.
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