Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler is reportedly planning to retire after the 2027 season.
The 35-year-old’s current $126 million contract runs through the end of that year, and according to The Athletic, Wheeler intends to call it a career when the deal expires.
“That’s the plan,” Wheeler confirmed. “It’ll be easy to walk away.”
When asked whether it would be tougher to retire if he’s still performing at an elite level, Wheeler was firm: “Doesn’t matter, no.”
However, catcher J.T. Realmuto is skeptical that Wheeler will actually step away while still pitching so well.
“He can say that all he wants,” Realmuto told the outlet. “But I can’t see him dominating for two more years and just walking away. He loves it. I’m still hopeful he keeps going.”
Wheeler, who finished second in last season’s Cy Young voting, is scheduled to start Sunday’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. The Phillies currently hold a 41-29 record.
He began his MLB career with the New York Mets in 2013, though injuries—including two surgeries on a torn right elbow ligament—sidelined him for two full seasons starting in 2015.
In 2019, Wheeler signed a five-year, $118 million deal with Philadelphia as a free agent. His current $126 million contract began in 2024.
Earlier this month, Wheeler reached a milestone by striking out Kyle Tucker of the Chicago Cubs for his 1,000th strikeout as a Phillie.
While he has yet to win a World Series, the Phillies’ strong 2025 start has them firmly in the championship conversation.