Aaron Nola agrees to 7-year contract with Phillies

Aaron Nola agrees to 7-year contract with Phillies originally appeared on
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Aaron Nola has extended his stay with the Phillies.

The Philadelphia-based team made it clear that Nola was their top priority this off-season, and they proved it with a seven-year contract valued at $172 million for the starting pitcher. The terms of the deal were first reported by USA Today.

Nola was one of the most attractive and established pitchers in the free-agent market, garnering significant interest and competing offers. His contract was expected to surpass $150 million, given the premium for top-quality pitching. Last off-season, the richest pitching contract went to Carlos Rodon — six years, $162 million — but Nola boasts a much more substantial track record at the age of 30, securing his new $172 million contract.

With Nola’s seven-year contract, he surpasses Cole Hamels’ six-year, $144 million deal, making it the largest contract ever awarded to a Phillies pitcher.

The Braves, an apparent competitor in the bidding, were eager to acquire Nola and enhance their pitching roster. However, Nola’s decision to stay in Philly has certainly reinforced the Phillies’ pitching staff, assuring his presence through his age-37 season.

Nola’s entire professional career has been with the Phillies, who drafted him seventh overall in 2014. He quickly ascended the minor-league ladder, debuting the following summer. He has continuously exceeded expectations with his command, extensive pitch repertoire, and strikeout ability, establishing himself as a frontline starter over the past nine seasons.

Nola’s career statistics reflect his prowess as a pitcher, with a 3.72 ERA in 235 starts. Although he faced challenges in certain seasons, his performance has been consistently impressive, making him a valuable asset to the Phillies as they strive for success in the upcoming seasons.

The Phillies’ decision to retain Nola eliminates their immediate need for a replacement and propels their offseason plans forward. With Nola secured for the long term, the team is now focused on filling other roster gaps, building a strong and competitive team for the coming seasons.

The Phillies have made the most of the off-season by securing their star pitcher, setting the stage for strategic and impactful moves moving into the MLB’s Winter Meetings.