In March 2025, Zack Wheeler locked in a three-year extension with the Philadelphia Phillies worth $126 million fully guaranteed. It’s the richest deal of his career, keeps him in Philly through 2027, and at the time of signing carried the highest average annual value ever for a starting pitcher in MLB history.
The Contract at a Glance
- Team: Philadelphia Phillies
- Signed: March 2025
- Length: 3 years (2025–2027)
- Total guaranteed: $126 million
- Average annual value (AAV): $42 million
- 2026 salary: $42 million
- No-trade clause: Yes
How the Deal Is Structured
The contract is split into three equal years at $42 million per season — no performance bonuses, no deferred money, no opt-outs. Every dollar is fully guaranteed, meaning Wheeler collects the full amount regardless of injuries, performance, or roster moves. Clean, simple, and completely secure for the pitcher.
The no-trade clause gives Wheeler full veto power over any potential deal. That’s a significant lever in his favor, and one the Phillies were willing to hand over to keep him anchored to the rotation.
How It Compares to His Previous Deal
Wheeler first came to Philadelphia as a free agent in 2020, signing a five-year, $118 million contract. Five years later, his consistency and clubhouse standing earned him this extension — one that nearly doubles his previous AAV. The jump from $118M over five years to $126M over three years is a clear signal of how the market values an elite arm in his prime, especially one already embedded in the organization.
Where Wheeler Ranks Among Active Contracts
- #5 — Highest AAV among all active contracts in 2026
- #2 — Highest single-season salary for 2026
Rankings based on total guaranteed value without deducting deferred money. Data from Spotrac and Baseball-Reference as of August 11, 2026.
That combination puts Wheeler firmly in the elite tier of pitchers — not quite at the top of the most recent mega-deals, but right there in the conversation. He’s a world-class starter in a market where the numbers keep climbing every offseason.
Career Earnings
Adding up every MLB contract he’s signed, Wheeler has earned $244 million in guaranteed money over his career. That figure covers base salaries, signing bonuses, and earned incentives — not endorsements or any outside income.
