Sources – Phillies, Aaron Nola agree to 7-year, $172M deal

Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Aaron Nola finalized a monumental seven-year, $172 million contract on Sunday, ending weeks of free agent market silence, sources confirmed to ESPN.

Entering his 30s, Nola, currently undergoing a physical in Philadelphia, has dedicated his entire 10-year career to the team, proving to be a steadfast presence in their starting rotation.

During the past six seasons, Nola has been a pinnacle of consistency, leading the Major League Baseball in starts and coming a close second in total innings pitched. Despite interest from the Atlanta Braves, Nola chose loyalty to Philadelphia, a testament to his affection for the city and its passionate fan base.

Following intense negotiations with his agents, Nola secured the most significant pitcher contract in Phillies history and the 11th largest overall in baseball history.

As Nola honed his skills and solidified his place as a top pitcher, the Phillies transitioned from a rebuilding phase to competing in the World Series in 2022 and clinching an NLCS berth the following season.

Although there was a slight dip in Nola’s performance this year, his ability to pitch long innings and maintain control made him an attractive target in the off-season, culminating in the massive contract he secured.

The signing of Nola is expected to kickstart the progress of baseball free agency, with other notable signings anticipated in the coming weeks.

Throughout his tenure, Nola has been an integral part of the Phillies’ success, boasting an impressive record in postseason appearances and demonstrating his ability to command the game with precision.

With a career ERA of 3.72 and an exceptional strikeout-to-walk ratio, Nola continues to solidify his position as one of the top pitchers in the league.