Phillies’ Ace Zack Wheeler Shares Plans to Retire After 2027 Season
Zack Wheeler, a crucial figure in the Philadelphia Phillies’ starting rotation and one of the top pitchers in baseball, has openly discussed his retirement plans, suggesting that his time in Major League Baseball is approaching its end. In a profile written by Matt Gelb for The Athletic, Wheeler was candid about his future in baseball and when he intends to step away from the game.
As Gelb reports, Wheeler didn’t leave any ambiguity: when his current contract ends after the 2027 season, he plans to retire. “Wheeler is unequivocal,” Gelb wrote. “When his $126 million contract expires at the end of the 2027 season, he is done with baseball. He has four kids at home who need a dad.”
Wheeler’s decision is heavily influenced by his family. He recently went on the paternity list following the birth of his fourth child, emphasizing how much family life is beginning to shape his future priorities. At 35 years old, Wheeler is now the most senior member of the Phillies’ starting rotation. Though he remains in elite form, he appears firm in his decision to step away once his current deal concludes.
Wheeler joined the Phillies in 2020 after signing a free-agent deal, and he quickly proved to be one of the best acquisitions the franchise has made in recent years. In the 2024-2025 offseason, he secured a three-year, $126 million contract extension that runs through the 2027 season. Despite speculation that he might continue playing if he maintains his high performance, Wheeler insists that won’t be the case. “That’s the plan,” Wheeler said when asked if he would reconsider. “Doesn’t matter, no.”
Statistically, Wheeler continues to deliver at an elite level. In the current 2025 season, he has started 12 games with a strong 6-2 record. His earned run average (ERA) sits at an impressive 2.85, and he has tallied 101 strikeouts to just 19 walks, boasting a remarkable WHIP (walks plus hits per inning pitched) of 0.902.
His dominance is nothing new. In 2024, Wheeler was a Cy Young Award runner-up, a testament to his extraordinary season. That year, he pitched 200 innings, struck out 224 batters, and posted a 2.57 ERA, finishing with a 16-7 win-loss record. Those numbers were among the best in the league and reinforced his position as one of the game’s premier arms.
Before joining the Phillies, Wheeler spent the first five years of his MLB career with the New York Mets. However, it’s in Philadelphia that he’s truly flourished. Over six seasons with the Phillies, Wheeler has accumulated over 1,000 strikeouts, notched 65 wins, maintained a 2.93 ERA, and registered an impressive 28.3 Wins Above Replacement (WAR), underscoring his immense value to the team.
Wheeler’s reliability and effectiveness have been cornerstones of the Phillies’ success in recent years. His performances have made him a central figure in their rotation and a fan favorite. With his announcement, it’s now clear that Philadelphia has roughly two and a half seasons left with their ace before he walks away from the sport.
Although the team and its supporters may hope he reconsiders, especially if he continues to dominate on the mound, Wheeler appears resolute. His focus after 2027 will be on his family, not extending his career.
In a league where pitchers often play well into their late 30s or even early 40s, Wheeler’s decision to retire at 37 reflects his personal priorities rather than any decline in skill or durability. As things stand, he plans to end his career on his own terms, having already left a lasting legacy in Philadelphia.
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