Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Phillies GM Discusses Investing in Starting Rotation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Mike Ostrowski | Last updated Apr 2, 2025 9:00 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have not hesitated to spend like few other MLB clubs do to compete. Their payroll entering the 2025 season ranks fourth in the league, with just under $285 million invested in player salaries.

Much of that money is going to one of the best pitchers in the game today. Zack Wheeler's three-year, $126 million contract extension kicked in this year, giving him the second-highest annual salary in MLB behind Juan Soto. (Shohei Ohtani would be first if most of his cash wasn't deferred.)

Despite Wheeler being in his mid-30s, the Phillies front office made sure they rewarded their top arm for his continued service. General manager Preston Mattingly discussed last year's extension on MLB Network Wednesday afternoon.

"We've seen the way he prepares, the way he trains, and obviously the stuff has held throughout his career," Mattingly told MLBN's Brian Kenny. "We feel like going forward, he's going to do the same."

Wheeler made his second All-Star appearance with the Phils last season, posting a 2.57 ERA, holding opposing hitters to a .192 average, and coming in second in the National League with 224 strikeouts. All of those stats are career bests.

But even a rotation with a Cy Young candidate needs good depth. That was the goal in acquiring Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins this offseason. While it wasn't as flashy as the recent Wheeler and Aaron Nola extensions, Luzardo is a cost-controlled option for the next two years.

"Jesús is a guy we've had a ton of interest in," Mattingly said. "The biggest thing for Jesús was keeping him on the field, and we have a lot of confidence in our medical staff... to help him do that."

Luzardo missed most of last season with a stress reaction but was a strikeout machine in 2023 and 2022. He and his newly added sweeper dominated in his first start of the season, with the 27-year-old racking up 11 strikeouts against the Washington Nationals.

"He's just another weapon to give (pitching coach) Caleb Cotham and our pitching group."

Phillies GM Preston Mattingly joins #MLBNow to discuss Zack Wheeler's dominance, trading for Jesús Luzardo and more ⬇️

MLB Network + @SageUSAmerica pic.twitter.com/FILFAoNEeg
— MLB Now (@MLBNow) April 2, 2025

For the Phillies to win it all this year, their bats will need to come alive at the right time. But pitching is often just as important in October, and this Philly staff is well set for a deep run against anyone.

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

More must-reads: