The Philadelphia Phillies have to be excited about the future of their starting rotation.
This offseason they have signed both Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler to long-term extensions.
More than likely they will be leading the Phillies’ rotation for many seasons to come.
Starting pitching will always be one of the most important aspects of baseball.
If you have good pitchers, you have a chance to compete in every game.
No one has been more dominant than Wheeler since the start of 2020.
According to Sarah Langs, Wheeler has the top fWAR among starting pitchers since the start of 2020.
His 19.3 fWAR is just ahead of Corbin Burnes, Kevin Gausman, and Nola.
Most fWAR among pitchers since start of 2020:
Zack Wheeler: 19.3
Corbin Burnes: 17.9
Kevin Gausman: 17.3
Aaron Nola: 16.6
Gerrit Cole: 15.1 https://t.co/2861G51EtO— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) March 4, 2024
It is hard to argue with the results that Wheeler has put up.
He has been one of the best pitchers in baseball since joining the Phillies.
In three of his four seasons with the Phillies, Wheeler has finished in the top 12 in Cy Young voting.
This includes a second-place finish in 2021.
The Phillies should once again be contending for the World Series in 2024.
They have one of the best lineups in the National League and the aforementioned starting pitchers are elite.
If the Phillies have any shortcomings it will come from their bullpen.
But that is why having starting pitchers who can go deep in games is so important.
That will take pressure off the bullpen, making the Phillies only have to use their high-leverage relievers late in the game.
Signing Wheeler to this extension will bring positive vibes to the team as they get set for the 2024 season.
NEXT: Insider Notes The History With Zack Wheeler's Extension