Last offseason, the Philadelphia Phillies tried to get Aaron Nola locked into an extension before he hit free agency.
That ultimately didn't come to fruition and he hit the open market, much to the nervousness of the front office who didn't think they'd be able to get him back.
Fortunately, both sides agreed to a deal that will pay Nola handsomely and keep him with the organization for the next seven years until he likely retires.
It also keeps the one-two tandem of Nola and Zack Wheeler at the top of the Phillies' rotation in 2024 as they attempt to win their first World Series since 2008.
But, this could be the last year of that tandem as Wheeler is scheduled to hit free agency after the season.
Philadelphia knows how difficult it will be to get their ace back if he hits the open market and they are reportedly making it a priority to get the right-hander locked into an extension before he becomes a free agent.
Wheeler has been one of the most reliable and valuable starters in the league since joining the Phillies ahead of the 2020 season.
In four years, he's posted an ERA of 3.06 over 101 starts and 629 1/3 innings with 675 strikeouts. His ERA+ is 137 and his bWAR is a staggering 19.6 during this time.
Putting it lightly, he'll be a prized free agent.
That's why Todd Zolecki of MLB.com thinks Philadelphia will be able to get an extension done with Wheeler.
"They really need to get it done this spring. I think it happens," he writes.
If the Phillies are able to get a contract worked out with their ace, that would certainly change the perception of their offseason.
Sure, they didn't land some of the biggest names out on the market like in years past, but they would ensure their starting rotation is still one of the best in baseball in the coming years.
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