Taking care of your own young players is the key to winning long term in any pro sport. The Philadelphia Phillies are on the verge of doing just that with pitcher Aaron Nola.
According to Ken Rosenthal and Matt Gelb of The Athletic, Philly is set to sign Nola to a four-year extension worth $45 million that includes a club option for a fifth season (worth $16 million, per Jon Heyman of FanCred).
This extension helps the two sides avoid an arbitration hearing, which is obviously ideal.
At the age of 25, the right-hander already has 93 starts under his belt. He’s posted a record of 41-28, with a 3.35 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, striking out 597 batters while walking just 155.
Last season was Nola’s coming-out party. He went 17-6 and posted a 2.37 ERA with a 0.97 WHIP — all career bests.
Now the only question is: Will Bryce Harper be next?