Phillies' Aaron Nola reveals deadline for contract extension talks

An unrestricted free agent at the end of 2023, Aaron Nola and the Philadelphia Phillies have reportedly begun negotiations on an extension. However, the eight-year veteran has given the Phillies a deadline. 

Speaking with reporters on Friday, Nola said discussions over an extension would stop once the MLB regular season begins on March 30 if the two sides have yet to broker a deal. 

"We'd have to reopen it after the season, for sure," Nola said via Matt Gelb of The Athletic. "But during the season, I want to stay focused on that. Playing good ball. Trying to win a championship." 

According to Gelb, talks between the Phillies and Nola's representation are going well. While there's no deal yet, both sides have exchanged contract proposals, indicating that an agreement could come soon. 

The Phillies have the fourth-highest payroll ($223.4 million) in baseball this season, with $88.5 million wrapped up in pitching alone. With Nola earning $16 million in 2023 and due a hefty raise, an extension will only stretch the Phils' payroll at the position further. Though Nola is probably worth whatever his asking price is, and it seems by the positive contract talks that the Phillies agree. 

Nola, the definition of consistent, has made 32 starts or more every season since 2018, aside from the pandemic-shortened 2020 campaign. Last season, after recording an 11-13 mark with a 3.25 ERA during the regular season, Nola showed his true worth during the Phillies' magical ride from clinching the last wildcard berth to the World Series. The Phillies won three of Nola's five postseason starts, and he left every game either ahead or tied. Nola finished the Phils' playoff run 2-2 with a 4.91 ERA.