Phillies and Aaron Nola contract talks have 'gained significant momentum' (report)
Aaron Nola is one of the top free agents on the market, however, the veteran right-hander might end up staying put in Philadelphia.
“The Phillies’ contract talks with Aaron Nola have gained significant momentum in the past few days and there’s strong optimism that they’ll reach an agreement before the winter meetings,” reported Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
“Nola originally was seeking a seven-year, $210 million contract, while the Phillies were countering with a six-year deal for about $150 million,” Nightengale added.
Phillies’ president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski appeared on MLB Network earlier this month and was asked about Nola and the likelihood he could return to City of Brotherly Love.
“We love Aaron, he’s been great for us, he’s just tremendous…we would love to have back..I do think there’s at least mutual interest,” said Dombrowski.
Nola had been seeking a seven-year pact worth $210 million. The Phillies had countered with six years and $150 million.
The 30-year-old is one of the top starting pitching options on the market, despite what can be considered a down season. The righty posted a 4.46 ERA and 1.15 WHIP in 32 starts (193 ⅔ innings). Nola did give up a career-high 32 homers, but he offers tremendous durability on the mound.
Since 2018, Nola only trails Yankees’ ace Gerrit Cole in innings pitched with 1,065 1/3 frames.
Nola broke out as an All-Star for the Phillies in 2018 and finished third in the NL Cy Young Award race. That season he posted a 17-6 record with a 2.37 ERA. Since then, he has pitched to a 3.97 ERA, and it looks likely he will return to the Phillies and atop of their rotation.
Follow Matt on Twitter @Bstrong415
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
