Right-handed pitcher Zack Wheeler has signed a five-year, $118 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies. Wheeler turned down a larger offer from the Chicago White Sox that was in excess of $120 million, according to sources.
The Phillies, who have a new manager, Joe Girardi, needed starting pitching help, with Jake Arrieta entering the final year of his contract. Wheeler has made 60 starts over the past two seasons, going 23-15 with a 3.65 ERA with 374 strikeouts in 377 2/3 innings.
In 2018, he bounced back with 29 starts and had career bests in wins (12) and ERA (3.31). Playing on a one-year, $5.975 million deal in 2019, Wheeler slipped to 11 wins and a 3.96 ERA but had a career-high 195 strikeouts and ranked ninth in the National League with 195 1/3 innings pitched.
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