Phillies $172 million star signing receives high marks after strong 2024

The Philadelphia Phillies had yet another successful season. They won 95 games and secured their first NL East title since 2011.

Unfortunately, their season came to an end in the NLDS at the hands of the New York Mets. But Philadelphia is set up for more success in the coming years.

One of their big investments from last offseason appears to have paid off in a big way. The team managed to re-sign Aaron Nola to a seven-year, $172 million contract in November.

The 31-year-old pitched well in 2024, going 14-8 in 33 starts with a 3.57 ERA.

Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report graded the Phillies signing of Nola and gave them an A minus for the move.

"Per usual, Nola did not miss a start, finishing top 10 in the majors in innings pitched for the third consecutive year and the fourth time in his career," Miller wrote.

"Since the beginning of 2018, he is leading the majors in innings pitched with a mark of 1,262 2/3, which is more than 50 ahead of [Zack] Wheeler (1,207) at No. 2 on the list."

Nola actually improved quite a bit over 2023. Last season, he posted a 4.46 ERA, which didn't exactly bode well for him ahead of free agency.

Still, he got the deal he wanted from the Phillies and returned to his old form. Philadelphia is fortunate to still have him and Wheeler at the top of the rotation.

The emergence of Ranger Suarez has also helped their cause, but so far, the Nola signing appears to be paying dividends for the Phillies. He has entrenched himself as their No. 2 starter behind Wheeler and is somebody that can be counted on to eat innings and rise to the occasion in big moments.

For his career, Nola owns a 3.70 ERA over 1,621 1/3 innings. This season, he logged 199 1/3 innings and punched out 197 batters while posting a 1.20 WHIP.

Nola will be a key factor for the Phillies going forward as they try to bounce back from their playoff exit in 2025.

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