At lunch today I learned Cole Hamels was NOT signing with the Phillies. And I was pissed. And then around 230, I found out the Phils signed starting pitcher Zack Wheeler to a 5-year, $118 million deal. Talk about a rollercoaster of a day.
Hamels reportedly said there were no significant talks about returning to Philadelphia and the Braves stepped up, made a great impression, and got the deal done.
The Wheeler signing comes with risk. He’s had injury issues in the past, but he had a breakout season in 2019. And he throws hard. Really hard. How hard? Over the last two seasons, he’s thrown 1,111 pitches that were 97 mph or faster. In that same time frame, Phillies starters have thrown 40 pitches of 97 mph or faster.
This is good news because it means that either Vince Velasquez, Zack Eflin, or Nick Pivetta will no longer be starting games for the Phillies. And it means the Mets are down one quality arm. It’s a win-win-win.
Wheeler reportedly turned down more money from the White Sox because his wife is from NJ and wanted to be closer to home. Thanks, Mrs. Wheeler!
I was just texting with my dad about the signing and he asked if Wheeler was going to be another Jake Arrieta. Christ, I hope not. Thanks for the buzzkill, dad.
So to recap, the Phils have signed a top-tier starting pitcher for Cole Hamels-Cliff Lee value. Let’s hope he pitches like them. And stays healthy.
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