Phillies’ Zack Wheeler to Retire After 2027 Season

Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, 35, has announced he will retire after his three-year, $126 million contract expires following the 2027 MLB season. Wheeler cited his desire to spend more time with his family, including his four children, as the main motivation for his decision, despite his ongoing elite performance with a 2.85 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 2025. The news has surprised the Phillies organization and fans, raising concerns about the team's long-term pitching plans. While teammate J.T. Realmuto and others hope Wheeler might reconsider, he has stated his retirement plans are firm. Wheeler's decision marks the approaching end of a distinguished career with both the Mets and Phillies, where he played a key role in recent postseason runs. The Phillies must now maximize their championship window and prepare for a future without their ace.