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Phillies' Zack Wheeler Reveals Retirement Plan

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matthew Sullivan | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 12:15 PM ET

The Philadelphia Phillies have one of the best pitchers in baseball on their roster, but after a deep dive article on him, it might not be for long.

According to an article by Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler shared his thoughts on his career, specifically when he plans to retire from baseball.

"Wheeler is unequivocal:" Gelb writes. "When his $126 million contract expires at the end of the 2027 season, he is done with baseball. He has four kids at home who need a dad."

Wheeler was just on the paternity list for the birth of his fourth child. With a family waiting at home and a long and productive career behind him, Wheeler is planning to retire after the 2027 season.

At 35 years old, Wheeler is the oldest starter on the Phillies. He's been an incredible pitcher for Philadelphia since he signed a free-agent deal in 2020. But after the 2027 season, and eight years in Philadelphia, Wheeler is planning to retire.

In the offseason, Wheeler signed a massive three-year, $126 million extension through the 2027 season. That deal is one that Wheeler plans to be his last.

Wheeler himself also commented on his retirement plan, and the calls for him to postpone his retirement if he keeps pitching as well as he has. "That's the plan," Wheeler said. "Doesn't matter, no."

The Phillies' ace has been nothing short of incredible over the past few seasons. In 2025, Wheeler has a 2.85 ERA in 12 starts with a 6-2 record and 101 strikeouts. He's walked just 19 batters and has an incredible WHIP of 0.902.

In 2024, Wheeler was the Cy Young runner-up and had an amazing season. In 200 innings pitched, Wheeler had 224 strikeouts, 16 wins, 7 losses, and a 2.57 ERA.

Throughout his MLB career, which spanned five years with the New York Mets, the majority of his dominance has been achieved with the Phillies. In six years in Philadelphia, Wheeler has over 1,000 strikeouts, 65 wins, a 2.93 ERA, and 28.3 WAR.

Wheeler's presence in the Phillies rotation has been immense. With Gelb's story pointing towards Wheeler's MLB coming to an end after 2027, the Phillies will get two and a half more years out of Wheeler.

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

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