<!–>
Zack Wheeler is continuing to pitch at a high level in 2025, as he’s likely set to be named an All-Star for the third time in his career in the coming weeks. However, the end of the Philadelphia Phillies ace’s career is in the near future.
Wheeler plans to retire once his contract expires at the end of the 2027 season, he told The Athletic. When asked if his performance could alter those plans, Wheeler reiterated that it won’t be the case, saying it “doesn’t matter.”
“It’ll be easy to walk away,” Wheeler said.
As he turned 35 in late May, Wheeler is one of the rare cases in recent MLB history to perform better after their 30th birthday than they did before it. After making his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2013, Wheeler had some up-and-down seasons. He missed two years in 2015 and 2016 due to Tommy John surgery before eventually leaving the Mets for the Phillies in free agency ahead of the 2020 season.
Ever since he arrived in Philadelphia, Wheeler has been one of the best pitchers in baseball. He has logged a 2.93 ERA in his five-plus seasons with the team, finishing second in NL Cy Young voting twice (2021, 2024). Last season, Wheeler went 16-7 with a 2.57 ERA and an NL-leading 0.955 WHIP. He also had 224 strikeouts in 200 innings pitched.
ADVERTISEMENT
–>
Wheeler’s arguably been even better this season. Entering his start against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday, Wheeler was 6-2 with a 2.85 ERA, 0.902 WHIP and 101 strikeouts in 82 innings pitched over 13 starts. He was in the top 10 in the NL in each of those aforementioned stats entering Sunday’s outing and will likely improve his standing as he allowed one run on four hits, zero walks and nine strikeouts in six innings against the Blue Jays.
The Phillies initially signed Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million deal in December 2019. As he proved to be worth more than that contract, they gave him a three-year, $126 million extension in the weeks leading up to the 2024 season. That extension gave Wheeler the highest average annual salary among all pitchers at $42 million, per Spotrac.
Zack Wheeler has been one of baseball’s best pitchers since he joined the Phillies in 2020, helping them win the 2022 NLCS. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) <!–>
–>
Wheeler’s rise to prominence has also led to the Phillies’ surge into becoming a title contender. They’ve made the postseason each year since 2022, with Wheeler going 4-3 and logging a 2.18 ERA over 12 postseason appearances. He helped them win the NL pennant in 2022.
The Phillies appear primed to make another run for the postseason in 2025. They improved to 42-29 with their win on Sunday, sitting just 2.5 games back of the Mets for the NL East lead. They’re also four games ahead of the first team out in the NL wild card race.
However, Wheeler’s retirement timeline certainly tightens the Phillies’ championship window. Righty Aaron Nola (2031) and lefty Christopher Sanchez (2031, potential opt out after 2028 season) are the only other pitchers in their starting rotation who are under contract after the 2027 season.
Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account, follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily.
<!–>
recommended
Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
–>
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Will US Open see only fourth mum win Grand Slam and first since 2011?
When Serena Williams faced Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final, she was widely expected to claim a record-equalling 24th major, an eighth Venus Rosewater Dish and with it would have joined another exclusive band of players.Victory would have seen her join only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters in winning a Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. But Williams didn’t. Her 6-2 6-2 drubbing in 56 minutes shocked Centre Court and the tennis world, who much fancied the then 37-year-old to win a first major since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017. Players who have won Grand Slams after becoming mums Evonne Goolagong Cawley - (Wimbledon 1980) Margaret Court - (Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 1973) Kim Clijsters - (US Open in 2009, 2010 and Australian Open in 2011) A […]
Pro & Contra – Hat Bayern die Schale schon sicher?
Die Bundesliga-Saison hat noch gar nicht begonnen, da ist der FC Bayern schon wieder in aller Munde: die Verpflichtung von Liverpools Luis Diaz, das Buhlen um Stuttgarts Stürmer Nick Woltemade. Mittendrin aber auch: die mahnenden Worte von Harry Kane, der von einem der kleinsten Kader spricht, in dem er je gespielt hat. Bayern zu dünn besetzt für die Meisterschaft? Oder schon voll auf Kurs?Ein Pro & Contra von SPORT BILD.Akkordeon und Lederhose: Luis Díaz begeistert Bayern-Stars<!-->[-->Quelle: Paulaner / FC Bayern München20.08.2025Contra: Der BVB muss die Chance ergreifen!Von Maximilian WessingDie weiße Flagge hissen? Warum?! Selbst Stürmer Harry Kane merkte bereits an, wie klein der Kader des FC Bayern sei – was zu einem echten Problem werden kann. Die Transferperiode verlief längst nicht glänzend und geräuschlos, mit Thomas Müller ist das Aushängeschild und der Moderator der Mannschaft weg, Jamal Musiala fehlt noch […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ffos Las hosts six-race card
Kentucky River and Navid will be looking to follow up recent successes when they clash in the feature of six races from Ffos Las.2.10 Ffos Las - Recent winners Kentucky River and Navid clashLast-time winners Kentucky River and Navid lock horns in a trappy Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap at Ffos Las. The Ollie Sangster-trained Kentucky River broke his duck at the eighth attempt at Pontefract on Sunday and bids to follow up off this 6lb higher mark. Jockey Luke Morris has a respectable 20% strike rate at the track over the last five years and could prove a valuable addition on top.Navid is another who arrives on the back of a victory having comfortably claimed a Salisbury handicap by two lengths last time out. This extra distance - stepping up to two miles for the first time - […]
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was hit with an unexpected NFL fine
Tyreek Hill is one of the standout stars of the Miami Dolphins,known for his blazing speed, agility, and ability to evade defenders. Despite his talent, the young wide receiver has now been hit with a significant NFL fine, requiring him to pay a substantial amount of money. The fine has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked discussions among fans.Typically, fines in the NFL are associated with on- or off-field misconduct, but Tyreek Hill's case is unusual. The Miami Dolphins star was penalized not for behavior but for failing to wear some of the league-mandated equipment during games, drawing attention and sparking debate across the NFL community.Jaguars and Dolphins get into a massive brawl with Travis Hunter on the fieldTyreek Hill's unusual NFL fineUnlike typical fines for on-field misconduct, Tyreek Hill's penalty comes from a safety violation. The Miami Dolphins […]
San Francisco 49ers fans still want Trey Lance; tough blow for Brock Purdy
During this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers extended their quarterback, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Brock Purdy signed a 5-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, turning "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2022 into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history.49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Carted Off After Collision Before HalftimeIt's worth remembering that Purdy led the 49ers to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they fell to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. That same season, Christian McCaffrey also had a spectacular year. The 49ers couldn't replicate that success in 2024, but they're aiming for a comeback in 2025.Despite all this, 49ers fans haven't forgotten the quarterback they originally chose in 2021 to lead the franchise: Trey Lance, for whom they traded three first-round picks. For one reason or another, it simply didn't work out.Trey Lance returns to […]
Nikola Jokic sent bizarre seven-word message to former Denver Nuggets teammate when he learned of exit
During the summer NBA trade period, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising roster move, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson - denying Nikola Jokic the chance to keep playing with his friend. While trades are a routine part of league operations, the personal interactions surrounding this deal quickly drew attention, especially the farewell message Jokic sent to his former teammate. Nikola Jokic sets off Nuggets alarms with how little he cares about basketballMichael Porter Jr. recently revealed the humorous and unorthodox note in a conversation with the media.Following the trade, Porter Jr. shared the final message he received from Jokic. In a group chat that included Nuggets teammates, Jokic wrote: "Make sure you wear condom out there."Porter Jr. later reflected on the message, stating: "That was his goodbye to me."Fans react […]
Related
Will US Open see only fourth mum win Grand Slam and first since 2011?
When Serena Williams faced Simona Halep in the 2019 Wimbledon final, she was widely expected to claim a record-equalling 24th major, an eighth Venus Rosewater Dish and with it would have joined another exclusive band of players.Victory would have seen her join only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters in winning a Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. But Williams didn’t. Her 6-2 6-2 drubbing in 56 minutes shocked Centre Court and the tennis world, who much fancied the then 37-year-old to win a first major since the birth of her daughter, Olympia, in September 2017. Players who have won Grand Slams after becoming mums Evonne Goolagong Cawley - (Wimbledon 1980) Margaret Court - (Australian Open, French Open and US Open in 1973) Kim Clijsters - (US Open in 2009, 2010 and Australian Open in 2011) A […]
Pro & Contra – Hat Bayern die Schale schon sicher?
Die Bundesliga-Saison hat noch gar nicht begonnen, da ist der FC Bayern schon wieder in aller Munde: die Verpflichtung von Liverpools Luis Diaz, das Buhlen um Stuttgarts Stürmer Nick Woltemade. Mittendrin aber auch: die mahnenden Worte von Harry Kane, der von einem der kleinsten Kader spricht, in dem er je gespielt hat. Bayern zu dünn besetzt für die Meisterschaft? Oder schon voll auf Kurs?Ein Pro & Contra von SPORT BILD.Akkordeon und Lederhose: Luis Díaz begeistert Bayern-Stars<!-->[-->Quelle: Paulaner / FC Bayern München20.08.2025Contra: Der BVB muss die Chance ergreifen!Von Maximilian WessingDie weiße Flagge hissen? Warum?! Selbst Stürmer Harry Kane merkte bereits an, wie klein der Kader des FC Bayern sei – was zu einem echten Problem werden kann. Die Transferperiode verlief längst nicht glänzend und geräuschlos, mit Thomas Müller ist das Aushängeschild und der Moderator der Mannschaft weg, Jamal Musiala fehlt noch […]
Today on Sky Sports Racing: Ffos Las hosts six-race card
Kentucky River and Navid will be looking to follow up recent successes when they clash in the feature of six races from Ffos Las.2.10 Ffos Las - Recent winners Kentucky River and Navid clashLast-time winners Kentucky River and Navid lock horns in a trappy Ascona Ladies Fuelled By Fashion Handicap at Ffos Las. The Ollie Sangster-trained Kentucky River broke his duck at the eighth attempt at Pontefract on Sunday and bids to follow up off this 6lb higher mark. Jockey Luke Morris has a respectable 20% strike rate at the track over the last five years and could prove a valuable addition on top.Navid is another who arrives on the back of a victory having comfortably claimed a Salisbury handicap by two lengths last time out. This extra distance - stepping up to two miles for the first time - […]
Tyreek Hill of the Miami Dolphins was hit with an unexpected NFL fine
Tyreek Hill is one of the standout stars of the Miami Dolphins,known for his blazing speed, agility, and ability to evade defenders. Despite his talent, the young wide receiver has now been hit with a significant NFL fine, requiring him to pay a substantial amount of money. The fine has raised eyebrows across the league and sparked discussions among fans.Typically, fines in the NFL are associated with on- or off-field misconduct, but Tyreek Hill's case is unusual. The Miami Dolphins star was penalized not for behavior but for failing to wear some of the league-mandated equipment during games, drawing attention and sparking debate across the NFL community.Jaguars and Dolphins get into a massive brawl with Travis Hunter on the fieldTyreek Hill's unusual NFL fineUnlike typical fines for on-field misconduct, Tyreek Hill's penalty comes from a safety violation. The Miami Dolphins […]
San Francisco 49ers fans still want Trey Lance; tough blow for Brock Purdy
During this offseason, the San Francisco 49ers extended their quarterback, sparking mixed reactions among fans and analysts. Brock Purdy signed a 5-year, $265 million contract, with $181 million guaranteed, turning "Mr. Irrelevant" of 2022 into one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in NFL history.49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk Carted Off After Collision Before HalftimeIt's worth remembering that Purdy led the 49ers to the 2023 Super Bowl, where they fell to Patrick Mahomes' Kansas City Chiefs in overtime. That same season, Christian McCaffrey also had a spectacular year. The 49ers couldn't replicate that success in 2024, but they're aiming for a comeback in 2025.Despite all this, 49ers fans haven't forgotten the quarterback they originally chose in 2021 to lead the franchise: Trey Lance, for whom they traded three first-round picks. For one reason or another, it simply didn't work out.Trey Lance returns to […]
Nikola Jokic sent bizarre seven-word message to former Denver Nuggets teammate when he learned of exit
During the summer NBA trade period, the Denver Nuggets made a surprising roster move, sending forward Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson - denying Nikola Jokic the chance to keep playing with his friend. While trades are a routine part of league operations, the personal interactions surrounding this deal quickly drew attention, especially the farewell message Jokic sent to his former teammate. Nikola Jokic sets off Nuggets alarms with how little he cares about basketballMichael Porter Jr. recently revealed the humorous and unorthodox note in a conversation with the media.Following the trade, Porter Jr. shared the final message he received from Jokic. In a group chat that included Nuggets teammates, Jokic wrote: "Make sure you wear condom out there."Porter Jr. later reflected on the message, stating: "That was his goodbye to me."Fans react […]
Be the first to leave a comment