Zack Wheeler, who signed with the Philadelphia Phillies in December 2019, has become the leading pitcher for the NL East team. This season, Wheeler has recorded a 6-2 win-loss record, a 2.85 ERA, and 101 strikeouts, maintaining the high level of performance he showcased in 2024. Last year, he finished as the runner-up for the National League Cy Young award, trailing only the Atlanta Braves’ ace Chris Sale. Despite being at the top of his game, reports from The Athletic’s Matt Gelb reveal that Wheeler intends to retire after the 2027 season.
Phillies Face Challenges Amid Team Rebuilding Efforts
Wheeler’s forthcoming departure presents a significant challenge for the Phillies, who already have a roster featuring many players over 30. The team’s leadership will need to navigate a substantial rebuilding phase to maintain competitiveness. The loss of such a key player adds pressure to the Phillies’ executives to carefully plan the franchise’s future while balancing veteran contributions and new talent development.
Wheeler Emphasizes Family as Retirement Motivation
Earlier this year, Wheeler spoke candidly about his intentions during an appearance on The Phillies Show. He acknowledged that his desire to spend more time with his growing family is a major factor influencing his decision to step away from professional baseball. Wheeler shared that the demanding schedule of the baseball season limits his ability to be present at home, which weighs heavily on him.
“It’s far away (end of contract with Phillies), but I’m pretty sure I’m done after this, but you know time will tell and who knows I never want to say never, but more likely I’ll probably be done after this,” Wheeler said. —Zack Wheeler
“I got four kids and my awesome wife, and I want to spend time with them too.” —Zack Wheeler
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Wheeler’s Departure
Phillies fans hope that Wheeler will contribute to winning at least one World Series title for Philadelphia before retiring. His planned exit underscores a pivotal moment for the franchise, requiring it to balance honoring veteran players while preparing for a transition period. Wheeler’s decision reflects a thoughtful approach, prioritizing his family as he concludes an impressive baseball career.