Pitchers and catchers have just reported to Spring Training, and there’s already a lot going on for the Phillies in Clearwater. On Tuesday, they introduced newly-acquired catcher J.T Realmuto to the media.
Matt Klentak took care of some other business on Wednesday, signing ace Aaron Nola to an extension. It’s a bargain for the Phillies, who now avoid arbitration with Nola. Ken Rosenthal was first to report that the deal was imminent.
#Phillies and RHP Aaron Nola have agreed to a four-year contract through the 2022 season. The deal also includes a club option for the 2023 season. pic.twitter.com/E5ocTPOwqA— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) February 13, 2019
The new deal for Nola covers his three years of arbitration and one free agent year. There’s a $16 million club option that includes a $4.25 buyout. Per Jeff Passan, Nola gets a $2 million signing bonus and will make $4 million in 2019. He’ll go on to make $8 million in 2020, $11.75 million in 2021, and $15 million in 2022 before the option year. If the Phillies decide to pick up his option, the overall deal would be a five-year pact worth $56.75 million. That’s quite a bargain.
Nola was undoubtedly the Phillies best pitcher in 2018. He posted a 17-6 record in a career-high 212.1 innings, posting a 2.37 ERA. Nola struck out 224 batters and issued only 58 walks, good for a WHIP of 0.975. His performance earned him an All-Star nod, and he finished third in National League Cy Young voting.
The 25-year-old right-hander led all Major League pitchers in WAR (10.5), was second in the NL in ERA (2.37), third in WHIP (0.975) and innings pitched (212.1), and fourth in wins (17).
The Phillies kick-off Spring Training action in Port Charlotte, FL, against the Tampa Bay Rays on February 22 at 1:05 p.m.
