Phillies make first splash in free agency, re-signing Aaron Nola to 7-year deal

Nov 19, 2023

The Phillies have struck the first big deal in free agency, re-signing free agent right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million deal, per EPSN’s Jeff Passan.

The news of the Phillies and Nola gaining momentum on a deal was first reported by USA Today’s Bob Nightengale.

“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.

Red Sox patiently waiting for free agent Yoshinobu Yamamoto to be posted

“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 reported Sunday.

The 30-year-old was originally drafted by the Phillies in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft and has spent his entire career in the City of Brotherly Love.

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.

Dombrowski strikes first and brings back one of the top free agent pitching options on the market. The Nola signing should get the free agent market moving.