The Philadelphia Phillies have made a major move to solidify their pitching rotation by extending ace Zack Wheeler with a historic contract. The Phillies and Wheeler have agreed to a three-year, $126 million contract extension, making it the most lucrative contract extension in MLB history.

The deal ensures that the 33-year-old pitcher will remain with the Phillies beyond the 2024 season. Wheeler expressed his satisfaction with the organization, stating, "This is a first-class organization, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." His extension will begin with the 2025 season and run until the end of the 2027 season.

With an average annual salary of $42 million, Wheeler's contract places him among the highest-paid pitchers in the league. Notably, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander signed contracts with the Mets that had an average annual value (AAV) of $43.3 million.

Wheeler's extension also puts him in company with his star teammates Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, who are signed through 2031 and 2033, respectively. The Phillies have shown their commitment to building a competitive team by securing key players for the long term.

The Phillies have come close to winning the World Series in recent seasons, reaching both the World Series and National League Championship Series. By extending Wheeler's contract, the organization aims to fortify their starting rotation and strengthen their chances of bringing home their first championship since 2008.

While the deal does not include a formal no-trade clause, Wheeler's more than ten years of MLB service will grant him 10-and-5 rights after his fifth season with the Phillies. This means that he will have the ability to veto any trade, providing him with additional control over his future.

Since joining the Phillies after the Mets failed to re-sign him, Wheeler has been a reliable presence on the mound. In his four seasons with the team, he has boasted an impressive 3.06 ERA in 101 starts, tallying 675 strikeouts over 629 1/3 innings pitched. Wheeler's stellar performance earned him an All-Star selection in 2021 and the prestigious Gold Glove award in the previous season.

With Wheeler and Aaron Nola, who signed a seven-year, $172 million deal in November 2021, under long-term contracts, the front of the Phillies' rotation appears formidable. The addition of Ranger Suarez as a solid No. 3 starter only further bolsters the team's pitching depth.

Phillies team president Dave Dombrowski commended Wheeler's abilities, stating, "In the postseason when he takes that ball, I can't think of anyone I want to be there more than Zack." The organization has placed their trust in Wheeler to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Wheeler's journey in the MLB started when he was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2009 draft, selected by the San Francisco Giants. He was later traded to the Mets in 2011 for Carlos Beltran. After overcoming setbacks, including Tommy John surgery that caused him to miss the 2015 and 2016 seasons, Wheeler has proven his resilience and become a force on the mound.

With the signing of this record-breaking contract extension, the Philadelphia Phillies have demonstrated their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The stage is set for Wheeler to continue his dominance on the mound and help lead the Phillies to postseason success in the coming years.