Phillies' Ace Shares Major Update on Possible Contract Extension

The Philadelphia Phillies' ace was ready to talk about his contract situation on Wednesday.

Spring Training is officially here and Major League camps are brimming with optimism. That's especially true for the Philadelphia Phillies, who have their eye on a World Series title after back-to-back playoff appearances.

One Phillies player particularly optimistic is Zack Wheeler, who's entering the final season of his five-year, $118 million contract that he signed with Philadelphia prior to 2020.

After watching teammate and co-ace Aaron Nola ink a seven-year, $172 million deal to remain with the Phillies, Wheeler is hopeful he and the organization can reach a similar agreement based on his comments during the first day of Spring Training on Wednesday.

In an article for MLB.com, team beat writer Todd Zolecki quoted Wheeler as saying, "Hopefully, it does (happen). I love it here. We're happy here. It's a good organization. We're winning. All things are looking great and right. So, I'd love to be here."

According to Zolecki's article, Wheeler hasn't provided an ultimatum for when he wants an extension. Sources also tell him that extending Wheeler is Philadelphia's top priority.

"I think it could happen any time," Wheeler said. 

In an ideal world, an extension would get done before Opening Day so Wheeler doesn't have to worry about it during the year. The regular season starts on March 28, which gives the Phillies six weeks.

If Philadelphia does extend Wheeler, it would explain why the team didn't aggressively pursue another starting pitcher like Jordan Montgomery or Blake Snell this offseason. 

Wheeler has proven to be a great fit with the Phillies, going 43-25 with a 3.06 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP in 101 starts. He's been one of the best pitchers in baseball during that time, earning Cy Young votes in three of his four seasons with Philadelphia.

While Wheeler turns 34 this spring, his age doesn't seem to be a concern for the front office. He and Nola have been a terrific tandem at the top of the rotation over the past few years, and it seems like the Phillies want to keep it that way.