Phillies' Aaron Nola Makes Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Jan 13, 2026 2:54 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies are heading into the 2026 MLB season with a familiar core, and the organization remains confident this group is capable of making a deep postseason run.

Optimism centers on the health of right-handed starters Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, both of whom are expected to be ready for Opening Day.

Nola, in particular, enters the year looking to rebound. Although he was healthy by the end of 2025, he was clearly not the same pitcher he had been in previous seasons after spending a lengthy stint on the injured list with a rib fracture.

The 32-year-old veteran finished the campaign with a 5–10 record, a 6.01 ERA and 97 strikeouts across 17 starts. While he continued to collect strikeouts at a respectable rate, he struggled to miss bats consistently.

Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola (27) © Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Before Nola can begin the work of regaining his form on the mound, his attention has briefly shifted away from baseball to a cause close to his heart.

On Tuesday, Nola and his wife, Hunter, announced the launch of the couple’s 2nd Annual Charity Poker Tournament.

“Philly! I’m excited to announce my 2nd Annual Charity Poker Tournament, presented by Yuengling, on April 16, 2026, at Citizens Bank Park. This year, we’re coming together to support Philabundance and Team RWB, two incredible organizations that do so much for our city and our community. I’d love for you to join me and my teammates for a great night at the ballpark as we raise funds for two causes that mean a lot to us,” Nola wrote on Instagram, while sharing details for how fans can register for the event.

Philabundance, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger across the region, and Team RWB, which supports veterans through health and wellness programs, will be the beneficiaries of this year’s fundraiser.

For Nola, the event serves as both a way to give back and a reminder of his connection to the city that has supported him throughout his career.

That career has been spent entirely in Philadelphia, spanning 11 seasons since his debut in 2015. A one-time All-Star, Nola has been a fixture in the Phillies’ rotation and, in November 2023, committed his future to the franchise by signing a seven-year, $172 million extension.

Now entering the 2026 season, Nola’s focus is on returning to the form that made him one of the National League’s most reliable arms.

With Wheeler alongside him and a lineup built to contend, his ultimate goal remains clear: to help deliver a World Series championship to Philadelphia.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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