
The Philadelphia Phillies will head into the 2026 season facing questions about whether their current core can finally deliver a deeper run in the MLB playoffs. One of the biggest storylines centers on right-handed starter Aaron Nola and what version of him the team will see next year.
Nola’s 2025 campaign was the most difficult of his career. The 32-year-old veteran spent significant time sidelined with injuries, including a broken rib and a sprained right ankle. Even when he was healthy enough to pitch, he struggled to find consistency, finishing with a 6.01 ERA and a 5–10 record across 17 starts.
While he still flashed his ability to generate swings and misses, striking out 97 batters, he was unable to limit hard contact, which proved costly for Philadelphia’s rotation.
The concern is magnified by the long-term commitment the Phillies made to Nola, who has five years remaining on the seven-year, $172 million contract extension he signed in November 2023, per Spotrac.
However, baseball is not Nola’s primary focus right now in the early stages of the MLB offseason. On Sunday, he shifted attention to his personal life, announcing alongside his wife, Hunter Jayde, that the couple is expecting another child.
In a joint post on Instagram, they wrote, “Thankful to be adding another little blessing to our family️.”
The photo featured Nola, his wife and their daughter Scottie Brooks, who was born in 2024, holding an ultrasound image. The announcement highlights a joyful moment for the family as it prepares to welcome a new addition while continuing to grow together.
Over the years, Nola has become a true fan favorite in Philadelphia. Since making his MLB debut in 2015, he has spent 11 seasons with the Phillies, cementing himself as one of the longest-tenured players on the roster.
A one-time All-Star, he has been a reliable presence in the rotation and has played a major role in multiple playoff runs. His ability to deliver in big moments has earned respect from teammates and fans alike, even as the team continues to chase its ultimate goal.
Despite all the success and stability he has provided, Nola is still searching for his first World Series title, a pursuit that remains central to both his legacy and the Phillies’ championship aspirations.
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