The Philadelphia Phillies have made a major move to bolster their pitching staff, signing right-hander Aaron Nola to a seven-year contract, according to an Associated Press source. The deal is reportedly worth $45 million, with a club option for an eighth year.
Nola, the seventh overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, has quickly become one of the best pitchers in baseball. He was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, and finished fourth in the National League Cy Young Award voting in 2019. He has a career 3.50 ERA and 1.19 WHIP, and has struck out 8.7 batters per nine innings.
The Phillies have been searching for a reliable ace since Cole Hamels left in 2015, and Nola appears to be the answer. He has been one of the most consistent starters in the league over the past few seasons, and his signing should give the Phillies a much-needed boost in the rotation.
Nola will join a talented pitching staff that includes Jake Arrieta, Zach Eflin, and Vince Velasquez. With Nola leading the way, the Phillies should have one of the best rotations in the National League.
The Phillies have been aggressive this offseason, signing Bryce Harper and Andrew McCutchen to big deals and trading for J.T. Realmuto. With Nola now in the fold, the Phillies appear to be serious contenders in the NL East.
It remains to be seen how Nola will fare in Philadelphia, but he certainly has the talent to be a difference-maker for the Phillies. His signing is a major coup for the team, and could be the move that puts them over the top in 2019.
