Aaron Nola has been a part of the Philadelphia Phillies rotation since he entered the league as a highly-touted prospect in 2015, however, one top MLB insider believes his tenure with the franchise will likely be over after this season.
While Aaron Nola has not turned into the superstar pitcher the Philadelphia Phillies would have hoped for when they used a first-round pick on him in 2014, he has still been a very good pitcher for the team and an anchor of their starting rotation for nearly a decade.
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Yet, that long relationship may be severed after this season. As the Phillies gear up for the start of their National League Championship Series against the red-hot Arizona Diamondbacks, there is a dark cloud hanging over their relationship with the 30-year-old pitcher. Nola is in the final year of his current contract and is looking for a career-defining payday in the offseason that may not come from his current team.
- Aaron Nola stats (Career): 90-71, 3.72 ERA, 1.129 WHIP, 1,582 SO, 371 BB
Philadelphia Phillies reportedly no closer on new deal with Aaron Nola
During a column on Sunday, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale detailed the divide that started this past winter between Nola and the Phillies, and why it will likely lead to the one-time All-Star being in a different uniform in 2024.
“Philadelphia Phillies starter Aaron Nola and the Phillies never came close to reaching a contract extension last winter and it’s unknown whether they can bridge that gap now. Nola was seeking an eight-year contract in excess of $200 million, while the Phillies were hoping to sign him to a four- or five-year deal. Talks broke off, Nola bet on himself and if he continues to pitch well this postseason, he just might get that payday from someone else.”
– Bob Nightengale
Nola has been outstanding in two starts for the Phillies this postseason. He has posted a 1.42 ERA, 0.87 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts to two walks in 12.2 innings against the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves. He has a 90-71 record with the organization during his nine-year career.