Mets fans might be feeling some sorrow thinking about Zach Wheeler possibly retiring by 2027.
The former Mets pitcher, now with the Phillies, has plans to hang up his cleats once his contract expires after about 2½ seasons. The main reason? He wants to spend more quality time with his four kids.
But, you know, what if he continues to pitch like a Cy Young contender? Would that change his mind on that plan?
“No. No,” Wheeler responded firmly. “It’s easy to leave.”
At 35, he’s already past his 37th birthday by then, but surprisingly, he seems to be getting better. It’s interesting, really—he’s finished in the top six for the National League Cy Young three times in the past four years, including a second-place finish just last season.
So far this season, under the Phillies banner, Wheeler boasts an impressive 65-34 record over six seasons, with a 2.85 ERA. In 2025 alone, he’s started 13 games and has a slightly higher, but still solid, 2.93 ERA.
It’s funny; peak athletes often seem just a step away from greatness. As catcher JT Realmuto put it, “He can say what he wants, but I can’t picture him just walking away in two years. He thrives on this. I genuinely hope he keeps pitching.”
Wheeler, who was seen as the Mets’ top trade prospect back in 2011 when they traded Carlos Beltran, left behind some bitterness regarding how they managed negotiations in 2020.
Against his old team, he’s been 5-5 with a 3.53 ERA in 16 starts.
Originally, he signed a five-year, $118 million deal with the Phillies, later extending it for three more years at $126 million before the 2024 season. That extension had the highest average annual value in MLB history at $42 million.
It’s intriguing to consider: Wheeler might just be the second best pitcher from the Mets’ former lineup, right next to stars like Matt Harvey, Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Steven Matz. Yet, he’s managed to stay healthier than deGrom in recent seasons.
