In a landmark deal, Zack Wheeler has inked a contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies, solidifying his position as one of the most coveted pitchers in baseball. The agreement, worth a staggering $126 million, has catapulted Wheeler into the exclusive club of $40-million-a-year starters, alongside Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.

The decision to extend Wheeler's contract was backed by his remarkable track record. Since signing his previous deal, he has emerged as the best regular-season and postseason pitcher in baseball, combining dominant performances with a relentless drive for improvement. Notably, Wheeler leads all pitchers in Baseball Reference and FanGraphs versions of WAR, boasting an impressive April-September life.

When it comes to postseason impact, Wheeler's statistics speak for themselves. In his 10 postseason starts, he has recorded the best WHIP (0.73) and opponent average (.161) in the history of the game. Such exceptional numbers added weight to his case for a hefty contract extension.

Even his peers, like Gerrit Cole, have acknowledged Wheeler's prowess on the mound. Cole praised Wheeler's resilience and growth, drawing parallels to the determined journey of Charlie Morton. Wheeler's consistency and ability to thrive in the high-pressure environment of a big-market team like the Phillies have undoubtedly contributed to his stellar reputation.

Comparing the performance and value of several high-profile contracts, Wheeler shines as an exceptional investment. According to Baseball Reference, Wheeler, Scherzer, and Cole have all averaged over 6 WAR per season throughout their respective deals. However, when evaluating production in relation to the money spent, Wheeler outperforms every other pitcher with contracts exceeding $100 million. His value index of $3.9 million establishes him as the frontrunner in this regard.

Furthermore, Wheeler understands the responsibility that comes with signing such a monumental contract. He acknowledges the pressure and recognizes the challenges of playing in demanding cities like Philadelphia and his previous team, New York. However, he is determined to use any criticism and setbacks as motivation for improvement, ultimately ensuring that his on-field performance warrants the investment made by the Phillies.

While Scherzer and Verlander possess impressive accolades, including three Cy Young Awards each, Wheeler's age and durability played a significant role in differentiating him from the pack. At 33 years old, he still has several prime years ahead of him, making him an appealing long-term investment.

The decision to compare Wheeler's contract to that of Scherzer and Verlander can be attributed to factors such as contract length and recency. Wheeler's deal aligns more closely with the shorter-term contracts of Scherzer and Verlander, while Cole and deGrom's longer contracts and deGrom's injury history resulted in them being excluded as direct comparables.

Ultimately, the Phillies' choice to award Wheeler with this groundbreaking contract underscores their confidence in his abilities and his status as one of the premier pitchers in the game today. As the highest-paid starting pitcher in team history, Wheeler has proven himself worthy, delivering consistent ace-level performances. The Phillies' decision to invest in him signifies their belief that Wheeler's current skill set is on par with the elite pitchers who have signed mega-deals in the past.

While Wheeler's career may not yet match the extraordinary achievements of Scherzer and Verlander, his worth in the present moment is unquestionable. The Phillies' resounding statement with this contract extension solidifies Wheeler's place among the baseball elite and sets the stage for an electrifying future for both him and the organization.