Four years ago, Zack Wheeler wasn’t notable enough to get his own news conference from the Phillies. Now, he’s the recipient of the richest contract extension in MLB history.
On Monday, Wheeler and the Phillies announced an MLB-record extension: three years, $126 million. The deal won’t kick in until the start of 2025, but when it does, Wheeler’s $42 million salary will represent the largest extension in baseball history by annual average. It’s a hefty but deserved figure for a pitcher who has done nothing but dominate during his time in red pinstripes.