PHILADELPHIA -- In a landmark deal, the Philadelphia Phillies have secured one of the greatest pitchers in their history, Aaron Nola, with a seven-year contract worth $172 million. The team made the announcement on Sunday, solidifying their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster.

Nola, already regarded as one of the Phillies' finest pitchers, now has the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest in franchise history. The 30-year-old right-hander will be with the team until the conclusion of his 16th season in 2030. His continued presence will allow him to surpass several milestones and etch his name alongside legendary Phillies players.

The contract extension reflects the Phillies' determination to win a World Series. President of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski expressed his enthusiasm for having Nola on the team, emphasizing the pitcher's consistent excellence and invaluable leadership qualities. With Nola's remarkable durability and exceptional track record, he is expected to play a vital role in the team's pursuit of their third championship title.

While Nola had a somewhat uneven performance in 2023, with a 4.46 ERA and a lower strikeout rate than previous years, his impressive postseason performance helped alleviate concerns. In the playoffs, he boasted an exceptional 2.35 ERA and recorded 23 strikeouts in 23 innings. Nola's outstanding contributions over the past six seasons have positioned him as one of the top free-agent starting pitchers available, alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Blake Snell.

The negotiations for Nola's contract extension had its twists and turns. Talks initially commenced during Spring Training, but both parties failed to reach an agreement at that time. Nola's camp reportedly sought a deal exceeding $200 million, a figure that the Phillies were unwilling to meet. However, after the conclusion of the NLCS, the Phillies made it clear that re-signing Nola would be their highest priority.

With the signing of Nola, the Phillies have made the biggest financial commitment to a pitcher in team history. This landmark agreement demonstrates the team's unwavering dedication to assembling a formidable roster capable of contending for a World Series title.

Looking ahead, the Phillies do not intend to rest on their laurels. While Nola's extension represents a significant investment, sources suggest that the team is still pursuing Yoshinobu Yamamoto, an accomplished pitcher from Japan, who is a two-time Pacific League MVP and three-time Sawamura Award winner (Japan's Cy Young). The Phillies' sublimely talented outfielder Bryce Harper has reportedly played a role in wooing Yamamoto and has even prepared a sizzle reel to showcase the team's appeal.

Nonetheless, acquiring Yamamoto would necessitate the Phillies shedding payroll in other areas. While the odds may be slim, a potential Nola-Yamamoto pairing in the offseason would be a bold move for Dombrowski and the Phillies organization. Failing that, the team has plans to bolster their bullpen and explore opportunities to add offensive firepower. However, pursuing superstar Mike Trout from the Los Angeles Angels appears to be unlikely given his contract and injury history.

The Phillies are determined to assemble a roster with exemplary reliability as they strive to capture a long-awaited World Series trophy. Aaron Nola, with his consistent performance and immense value as a player, has become a cornerstone of the team. He currently ranks 19th among Phillies players with a WAR (Wins Above Replacement) of 31.7, an achievement surpassed only by the likes of Phillies legends Robin Roberts, Steve Carlton, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Cole Hamels, and Curt Schilling.

As Nola embarks on this new chapter of his career, the Phillies and their fans are filled with anticipation, hoping that his impact will help the team scale new heights and ultimately secure the championship glory they long for.