Zack Wheeler sets retirement date, plans to hang up the cleats after the 2027 season

Zack Wheeler just turned 35 in May, and he’s already planning his exit.

In a recent Athletic story, Wheeler told Matt Gelb that when his current deal runs out after the 2027 season, he’s done with baseball. Not considering retirement. Not weighing his options. Done.

Wheeler has been a workhorse for over a decade, debuting in 2013 with the Mets and eventually landing in Philadelphia ahead of the 2020 season. He’s piled up a 109–72 career record with a 3.31 ERA.

The numbers are even better in Philly. Over six seasons with the Phillies, Wheeler has posted a 2.93 ERA and nearly 10 strikeouts per nine innings.

He’s been one of the most dominant starting pitchers in baseball since arriving in red pinstripes. He anchors the rotation, eats innings, and thrives under postseason pressure. When he pitches, the Phillies expect to win. Now, the clock is ticking louder than ever.

Zack Wheeler plans to retire after the 2027 MLB season

Zack Wheeler knows what he likes. He has no time for everything else. And, at 35, he’s achieved a rare nirvana: https://t.co/1jTLNLNm5g

— Matt Gelb (@MattGelb) June 13, 2025

Zack Wheeler told Matt Gelb that when the deal is up, he’s “done with baseball.” Wheeler wants to be home with his family, and he’s planning to step away even if he’s still pitching like one of the best arms in the league.

JT Realmuto pushed back a little, saying he can’t imagine Wheeler dominating for two more years and then walking away.

Realmuto’s comments make sense. He’s spent years catching Wheeler and knows how competitive he is but this isn’t just idle talk from Wheeler. His mind seems made up. He wants to be a full-time father and he’s already counting down the seasons.

This creates a very clear timeline. The Phillies have Wheeler for two and a half more years. That’s it. Every decision Dave Dombrowski makes from this point forward should reflect that reality.

There is no replacement for Wheeler. You can say all you want about Andrew Painter and Mick Abel, but there is no proven option that can give the Phillies the elite production and postseason dominance that Wheeler has over the past several years in Philly.

The Phillies’ recent postseason runs were built on starting pitching. Wheeler has been at the center of all of it. The idea of losing Wheeler after 2027 is more than just a back-of-the-mind concern. It changes everything about how the team should approach the future.

We all know that we are currently in the championship window with this current Phillies roster. The time to win is now. The window is open, but it won’t stay that way much longer, especially if Zack Wheeler is serious about leaving when his contract ends.

The front office needs to make aggressive, smart moves at the trade deadline and in free agency. They need to identify a succession plan in the rotation. They need to be honest about which players are declining and which ones are worth building around.

Zack Wheeler gave them a gift by being upfront. Now it’s on the Phillies to make the most of the time he has left.

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