Phillies Ace Shows Great Loyalty Amidst $172M Free Agency, Making Massive Sacrifice to Stay in Philadelphia

A certain Philadelphia Phillies pitcher made headlines today after turning down millions worth of AAV to stick with his old team. Aaron Nola, the 30-year-old two-time All-Star slugger, has been with the Phillies for ten years now. He signed a brand-new contract with his old team today, securing his place on the team for the next seven years.

Nola was being pursued by more than a few Phillies’ rivals, hoping to loop him into a contract. But then again, the Phillies drafted him back in 2014. Within a matter of months, the team promoted him to the major leagues, so it only makes sense that one of the longstanding players on the team would choose to stay at home.

The Philadelphia Phillies’ gift of gold for their star pitcher

Aaron Nola reportedly turned down a substantial deal that one of the longstanding rivals of the Philadelphia Phillies, the Atlanta Braves, was offering him. This happened after he opted for free agency upon the end of his contract with the Phillies. The club has always honored Nola for his consistent performance and contributions to the team and understandably, couldn’t let him go.

By the end of long discussions, the Philadelphia Phillies offered him a contract worth $172 million for seven years. The team previously paid the pitcher a salary of approximately $11 million. With his current deal, he will be receiving $24.5 million a year until 2031, an increase of $13.5 million in revenues. Earlier, they had fixed the deal at $150 million for six years. Nola decided to let go of $5 million worth of average annual value to secure an extra year with the team.

His contract is the largest for a pitcher in the Phillies team as of now, surpassing the $144 million six-year deal that the team made with Cole Hamels back in 2019. Interestingly, Nola ranked second in The Athletic’s MLB Top 40 Free Agents Big Board for the 2023–2024 season. For good reasons, of course.

Aaron Nola, the workhorse of the Phillies kingdom

Nola has maintained a perfect 2.1 WAR this regular season, striking out 202 across 193.2 innings pitched with a 1.151 WHIP. In the postseason, he has bagged 23 strikeouts across 23 innings pitched. He has been leading the National League in strikeouts in eighth place. Although the regular season wasn’t as boastful, where Nola posted an ERA of 4.46 across 32 games played, his consistency is what makes him beloved.

Many names have been used to describe him in the sunny city of Philadelphia—in-house ace and heavy-duty workhorse, among others. All of his nicknames speak of the slugger’s dedication to his team: on and off the diamond.

Read More: Phillies Ace Signs $172M Deal, First Domino in Pitching Free Agency Falls

With the 2024 season looming right around the corner, Phillies fans can expect their favorite pitcher to get back on the field with his ever-roaring form. All’s well that ends well, one could say!

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