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One of the premier free-agent pitchers in Major League Baseball has landed a new contract, signaling a significant move in the offseason market.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Aaron Nola have reached a noteworthy agreement, solidifying a seven-year, $172 million contract.
It is a groundbreaking deal for a Phillies pitcher as he becomes the highest paid at the position in franchise history, as reported by The Post's Jon Heyman.
The pending deal, awaiting the customary physical examination, ensures that Nola, a highly regarded right-handed pitcher, will continue his career with the Phillies without the inclusion of an opt-out clause or team option, according to ESPN's Jeff an.
Despite interest from other teams, including the Braves, Nola opted to forego potentially more lucrative offers to remain loyal to Philadelphia, a goal he had openly expressed leading into the offseason.
After the Phillies' NLCS Game 7 loss to the Diamondbacks, Nola reflected on the transient nature of professional sports, acknowledging the challenges of forming and maintaining relationships in a dynamic environment. His commitment to staying in Philadelphia aligns with his desire for continuity in the ever-evolving landscape of team dynamics.
How important is Nola to the Phillies?
Nola, a first-round pick by the Phillies in 2014, has evolved into one of the league's most dependable starters, showcasing consistency by averaging 200 innings per season since 2018. With a 26.0 WAR over the span, he ranks among elite pitchers, trailing only Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole, Zack Wheeler, and Jacob deGrom.
While Nola faced a bit of a performance dip in the 2023 season, finishing with a 12-9 record and a 4.46 ERA, underlying statistics suggest that his underwhelming numbers may be attributed more to bad luck than a decline in skill.
Having finished fourth in Cy Young voting in 2022, Nola's contract marks the first significant deal for a free-agent pitcher in the current offseason, shaping the landscape for future player transactions.