USA TODAY International Edition
Phillies make ace Nola first marquee signing
The Philadelphia Phillies reached an agreement Sunday with co- ace pitcher Aaron Nola on a seven- year, $ 172 million contract, two persons with direct knowledge told USA TODAY Sports.
The persons spoke on the condition of anonymity because Nola was scheduled to have a physical on Sunday in Philadelphia before a deal can be officially announced at a press conference Monday at Citizens Bank Park.
Nola becomes the first marquee free agent signing of the offseason, receiving the largest contract by a pitcher in Phillies history. He represents the latest free agent expenditure for the Phillies, who have seven players under long- term contracts paying at least $ 100 million.
The Phillies and Nola never came close to reaching an agreement before the start of spring training with Nola seeking a seven- year, $ 210 million deal while the Phillies were offering a six- year, $ 150 million deal. The two sides began serious talks this past week to bridge the gap.
Nola, 30, selected by the Phillies in the first round of the 2014 draft, has not missed a start in six years. He went 12- 9 with a 4.46 ERA this past season in 193 2⁄ 3 innings and struck out at least 200 batters in five consecutive full seasons. He is 90- 71 with a 3.72 ERA in his career.
Nola, who was offered more money by at least one other team, also was being pursued by Atlanta and the St. Louis Cardinals. Yet he informed Phillies officials that he didn’t want to leave.