Zack Wheeler #45 of the Philadelphia Phillies
Big Spending, Big Arms: Phillies Banking on Elite Pitching to Chase a Title
The Philadelphia Phillies have never been shy about opening their checkbook to stay competitive, and the 2025 season is no exception. With a payroll nearing $285 million—fourth highest in MLB—the Phillies are once again going all-in to chase a championship.
At the heart of that spending is Zack Wheeler, one of the game’s premier arms. His three-year, $126 million contract extension officially kicked in this season, making him the second-highest paid player in baseball on an annual basis behind Juan Soto. If not for Shohei Ohtani’s heavily deferred deal, Wheeler would sit atop that list.
Despite being in his mid-30s, Wheeler remains a cornerstone of the Phillies’ rotation, and the front office had no hesitation in rewarding his dominance. General manager Preston Mattingly addressed the team’s confidence in their ace during an interview on MLB Network this week.
“We’ve seen the way he prepares, the way he trains, and obviously the stuff has held throughout his career,” Mattingly told MLBN’s Brian Kenny. “We feel like going forward, he’s going to do the same.”
That faith in Wheeler is well-earned. The right-hander turned in a career-best 2024 season, earning his second All-Star nod while posting a sparkling 2.57 ERA, limiting opposing hitters to a .192 average, and finishing second in the National League with 224 strikeouts. Those numbers firmly placed him in Cy Young contention, reinforcing why Philadelphia prioritized his extension.
Luzardo Brings Key Depth to Rotation
While Wheeler and Aaron Nola provide a dominant one-two punch, the Phillies recognized the need for rotation depth, leading them to swing a deal for Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins this offseason. While not as headline-grabbing as the Wheeler or Nola extensions, Luzardo provides a high-upside, cost-controlled arm for the next two seasons.
“Jesús is a guy we’ve had a ton of interest in,” Mattingly said. “The biggest thing for Jesús was keeping him on the field, and we have a lot of confidence in our medical staff… to help him do that.”
Luzardo battled injuries last season but showcased his potential in 2023 and 2022, proving to be a strikeout artist when healthy. That trend continued in his Phillies debut, as the 27-year-old racked up 11 strikeouts against the Washington Nationals while showcasing his newly refined sweeper.
“He’s just another weapon to give (pitching coach) Caleb Cotham and our pitching group,” Mattingly added.
Built for a Deep October Run
While the Phillies’ high-powered lineup will need to deliver when it matters most, a championship run often hinges on elite pitching. With Wheeler leading the charge, Nola providing veteran stability, and Luzardo offering another high-strikeout arm, Philadelphia has assembled a rotation capable of taking on any contender in the postseason.
The pieces are in place. Now, it’s about execution—and for the Phillies, anything short of a World Series will feel like a missed opportunity.
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