Late Sunday morning the news broke that Aaron Nola has signed a 7-year extension with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Nola’s deal is reportedly worth $172 million per Jeff Passan of ESPN and will take him through his age-37 season.
Southern Born, Philly Raised
Drafted in the first round by the Phillies in 2014, Aaron Nola has been the longest-tenured member of the club. This is the second extension Nola signed with the Phils, after agreeing to terms on a four-year extension heading into the 2019 season.
There has been much debate over the years about whether the right-hander from Baton Rouge is a true “ace” in Major League baseball. Regardless of where you land on that debate, the Phillies are paying Nola to be one and will expect ace-level performance over the course of this deal.
Aaron’s return confirms that he will be a Phillie for another chapter in his career. In a day and age where athletes seem to move from city to city with increasing frequency, it is a happy feeling to see his return to Philly.
Aaron Nola’s Career Numbers
In his 9 seasons with the Phillies, Aaron Nola is 90-71 with a 3.72 ERA.
Making his Major League debut in 2015, Aaron has pitched 9 seasons for the Philadelphia Phillies. He is 7th all-time in WAR by a Phillies pitcher, 7th most games started by a Phillies pitcher, and 5th all-time in strikeouts. With this new deal, I would expect him to continue to rise in the all-time ranks.
Nola has been brilliant in the post-season as well. He has a 5-3 record with a 3.70 era and 50 strikeouts in 9 career playoff starts.
He has finished in the top 7 for the National League Cy Young 3 times, is a 1x All-Star, and has led Major League Baseball in innings pitched over the last three seasons combined.
I expect big things from Aaron Nola to take place in this 7-year deal with the Phillies. Hopefully, the pinnacle is a World Series championship.
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