David Murphy discusses the Philadelphia Phillies’ recent decision to sign Aaron Nola to a significant yet manageable contract, positioning the team for potential improvements in other areas.
The deal, characterized as fair, prompts consideration of various factors such as biology, physiology, roster philosophy, and other known and unknown elements.
As of the latest information, the Phillies have committed to an average salary of $24.6 million for Nola until his 37th year, totaling $172 million over seven years.
Comparatively, Nola’s contract is the fourth-largest among active starting pitchers, trailing Gerrit Cole, Stephen Strasburg, and Jacob deGrom.
The risk involved becomes apparent when looking at the injury struggles of Strasburg and deGrom, who signed lucrative contracts last year and pitched a combined 94⅔ innings.
In contrast, Nola has demonstrated durability, completing his fifth consecutive season with 32 or more starts.
Nola’s remarkable workload includes 230⅔ innings in 2022 and 216⅔ innings in the following year. Despite the impressive track record, concerns arise regarding the aging curve for starting pitchers and whether Nola can maintain his performance over the course of the contract.
The Phillies aim to capitalize on their current window of competitiveness, with Nola’s contribution in the present being more critical than future production.
The decision to retain Nola provides the Phillies with near-term certainty in their rotation and allows them to focus on roster enhancements.
With Nola on board, the team’s payroll increases to around $212 million for 21 players, providing flexibility for additional signings, particularly addressing needs for a right-handed bat and a high-leverage reliever.
This move also leaves room for maneuvering if a significant free agent or trade target becomes available.
Acknowledging the uncertainty associated with any signing, the Phillies opted for the familiarity of Nola and the success he has demonstrated within their organization.
Ultimately, the article suggests that retaining Nola aligns with the team’s strategy and provides a foundation for further improvements.
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