By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher
The Philadelphia Phillies made a huge off-season splash last season. The team was able to get slugger Bryce Harper, shortstop Jean Segura, and catcher J.T. Realmuto.
On Wednesday, the Phillies made another splash. The team signed free agent pitcher Zach Wheeler.
He received a five-year deal. Wheeler will receive $118 million over the lifetime of his contract.
The Phillies were in the mix for pitchers. Philadelphia was being mentioned as a candidate for Cole Hamels.
Ultimately, he signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Braves on Wednesday. He signed a one-year deal with the franchise.
Besides Hamels and Wheeler, the team was also in the mix for Stephen Strasburg. He became a free agent in November after opting out of his four-year, $100 million deal.
The Phillies hope that Wheeler will be a top arm in their rotation.
Aaron Nola was the top Phillies pitcher in 2019 with a 12-7 record. Zach Eflin was the only other starter with 10 wins, as he went 10-13.
Wheeler spent five seasons with the Mets. He now goes to their arch-rival after going 44-38 in 126 starts in five seasons in the Big Apple.
He also has one complete game and one shutout.
He gave up 314 earned runs and 341 runs overall in 749 1/3 innings. Wheeler gave up 75 home runs on 700 hits. He struck out 726 batters and walked 270.
