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

Rumors were flying high about the Philadelphia Phillies. After a disappointing end to their World Series bid, they were also about to lose Aaron Nola. The star pitcher had been with the team since his debut and was the centerpiece of their great postseason in 2023. While many believed Aaron Nola’s time was up in the City of Brotherly Love as he became a free agent, the Phils have proven otherwise. The ace bet on himself as he rejected any offers from the Phillies before his free agency.

As it now stands, the speculations have failed as the Phillies have broken their own record by giving Nola their highest contract ever for a pitcher. Nola is expected to undergo physicals soon as the two parties look to finalize the deal as soon as possible. This came right as another franchise was going after Nola but of course, Philadelphia rejoiced.

The prodigal son returns to the Philadelphia Phillies

ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that after two days of intense negotiations, the two parties have finally reached an agreement. Aaron Nola will be getting $172 million for 7 years. With this, we have the first pitching free agent signing of this offseason. Aaron Nola was the centerpiece of the puzzle that made the Philadelphia Phillies such a dominating force in the past two years. With a career ERA of 3.72, Nola is one of the most consistent pitchers in the league today.

While his 2023 regular season was slightly below average he came back huge during the postseason, his pitching was one of the main reasons why the Phillies even reached the NLCS.

Becoming a free agent this year, the San Francisco Giants were highly interested in him and would have potentially gone all in on the star pitcher. Other clubs reportedly offered Nola higher contracts but money was clearly not a good enough reason for him to leave.

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Nola’s connection with the Phillies goes deep but he may not have even seen Red October in 2023. Last year the team had contract extension talks with him but they were reportedly over $100 million apart in their valuation. Then the ace rejected their qualifying offer of $20.325 million guaranteed and chose free agency this year. But in the end, his love for the city was too big to ignore. Hyped fans are celebrating the return of their star pitcher as only Philadelphia can.

Aaron Nola commands the devotion of City of Brotherly Love

The Fightin’ Phils are for once the rejoicin’ Phils. The comeback of Nola has given the fanbase a cause to celebrate. Though a few wondered if the team was going to be exactly the same as the one that lost the NLCS, most were happy with this contract.

One fan respected that Nola might have given a slight discount to the Phillies as well.

Another fan echoed the same feeling and said that this is the most Philly thing ever.

Here this user was clear about the fact that Nola is the lynchpin of the Phillies.

This fan has hopes that they might even go for more due to this deal.

Happiness seems to be all around the Phillies fanbase.

So ends the free agency saga of Aaron Nola rather abruptly. But with him coming back home, will the Phillies finally make a big push towards the World Series next year? Fans sure hope they do.

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