What's Happening?
The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the 2026 MLB season with significant concerns regarding their starting rotation. The team faces the absence of Ranger Suárez, who left in free agency, and Zack Wheeler, who is recovering from surgery and expected to miss the start of the season. This situation places a spotlight on veteran pitcher Aaron Nola, who is seen as crucial for providing stability. Nola had a challenging 2025 season, recording a 5-10 record with a 6.01 ERA over 17 starts, marking the highest ERA for a Phillies pitcher since Nick Pivetta in 2017. Concerns about Nola's performance are heightened by his age and workload, as he has thrown more innings and pitches than any other pitcher in baseball since 2017. Entering the third year
of a seven-year, $172 million contract, Nola's ability to rebound is critical for the Phillies, especially with other pitchers like Jesús Luzardo and Taijuan Walker becoming free agents after the season.
Why It's Important?
The performance of Aaron Nola is pivotal for the Phillies' success in the upcoming season. With key pitchers unavailable, Nola's ability to return to form could determine the team's competitiveness and playoff aspirations. His past reliability as a starter makes him a potential anchor for the rotation, but his recent struggles and heavy workload raise questions about his durability and effectiveness. The Phillies' reliance on Nola underscores the broader challenges teams face in managing player health and performance over long contracts. A successful season for Nola could stabilize the rotation and provide a foundation for the team's postseason hopes, while continued struggles could exacerbate the Phillies' pitching woes.
What's Next?
As the season progresses, the Phillies will closely monitor Nola's performance and health. The team may need to explore additional pitching options if Nola cannot regain his previous form. The return of Zack Wheeler will be crucial, and the development of prospect Andrew Painter could also impact the rotation. The Phillies' management will likely assess the need for mid-season acquisitions to bolster the pitching staff, depending on Nola's performance and the overall rotation stability. The team's ability to adapt to these challenges will be critical in maintaining their competitive edge in the league.
