Philadelphia Phillies finally complete their Most Pressing Need This Offseason Extension……

With Aaron Nola now under a long-term contract, what’s next when it comes to pitching and the Philadelphia Phillies

On paper, that would seem like a no-brainer. Wheeler is entering the fifth and final year of his contract. He’s won 43 games in Philly, gone to an All-Star Game, finished second in Cy Young voting in 2021 and was terrific for the Phillies the last two postseasons.

But, there is one lingering question — age. Wheeler is entering his age 34 season and will entering his age 35 season in 2025, when he either hits free agency or gets a new deal with Philadelphia.

Per Phillies insider Matt Gelb of The Athletic, a Wheeler extension may be the Phillies’ most pressing need this offseason, in terms of players currently on the roster.

Both sides seem amenable to the discussion. In fact, Gelb reports that Nola’s new deal — which is for seven years and $172 million — actually helps, not because of the money but because Nola and Wheeler are close.

So where does a Wheeler extension start for a pitcher that will be entering his age 35 season in 2025 and is likely looking for a five-year deal?

Well, it’s not at the level of a Max Scherzer or a Justin Verlander, multi-Cy Young winners who are headed for the Hall of Fame. Scherzer is in the last year of a three-year, $130 million deal. Verlander is in the final year of a two-year deal worth $86 million.

Gelb suggests that the better comparison is the contract the Rangers gave to Jacob deGrom — five years and $185 million.

Of course, that deal may be where Wheeler and his agents might start in any negotiation. But, if the Phillies are interested in winning now, that won’t be there where any negotiations end.