Phillies Need Vintage Performance From Nola in What Could Be His Last
Aaron Nola received a standing ovation from the appreciative Philadelphia Phillies fans after 6 2/3 solid innings in Game Two of the National League Wild Card series against the Miami Marlins.
The Phillies wound up winning 7-1 and advanced to the National League Division Series.
Nola was in complete control and threw his array of pitches for strikes. When he pitches like that, Philadelphia boasts two aces along with Zack Wheeler.
If Nola keeps pitching this well, the Phillies have an excellent chance of making another deep run in the postseason.
Philadelphia fans should enjoy it because the future is murky.
Nola had a 12-9 record and 4.46 ERA during the regular season and was definitely inconsistent at times. In the playoff win, the ace more than proved his mettle.
Whether the Phillies win the World Series or come up short, Nola might not be here in 2024.
That’s a distinct possibility.
He earned $16 million this season the final year of his deal with Philadelphia. Nola and the front office were unable to come up with a long-term extension before the 2023 season began.
Nola could easily command $150 million or more and the Phillies may not re-sign him if the price tag rises too high.
Their ace went 11-13 with a 3.25 ERA in 2022 and a 2-2 mark with a 4.91 ERA in five postseason games. It was his first time competing in the playoffs.
Nola came in third in Cy Young voting 2018 and seventh in ’20.
While his career has been a roller coaster, he’s been durable. Unless Philadelphia can find a suitable replacement, it will be a big loss.
This extension discussion isn’t pertinent now.
But it will be soon.
