Workhorse Aaron Nola expected to rope in huge contract post a sublime couple of seasons
Former MLB catcher Chris Gimenez highly rates top-notch Phillies pitcher Aaron Nola, describing him as a "solid workhorse."
Since 2018, no one has pitched more innings than Aaron Nola.
Two words at the extension talks table:
WORK. HORSE. 🐎
#Phillies | #RingTheBell https://t.co/5sEMuSVyIp
"Since 2018, no one has pitched more innings than Aaron Nola. Two words at the extension talks table: WORK. HORSE. #Phillies | #RingTheBell” - MLB Network Radio, Twitter
The workhorse is a true testament to somebody of Nola's caliber, somebody who's always given it his all no matter what. Many will argue that Nola does not have elite numbers, but his deep understanding of the game and ability to go deep into games certainly compensates.
Chris described Nola as a valuable asset to any lineup considering he posts every five games and demanded more respect on his name for his toil.
"He may not have elite numbers at the end of the year, but when you compile his numbers, who doesn’t want a 3-4-2 out of a no. 2 starter who you know is going to go deep into ballgames," Chris Gimenez said on MLB Network Radio. "You know he knows how to pitch, you know he knows how to attack a lineup or navigate a lineup, and he posts every five days. There is absolutely something to be said about that!"
While Chris debated whether Nola was a suitable number one, he deemed him a "very, very good number 2":
"Is he a no.1? Debatable I guess, I would probably stick to him being a very, very good no.2, but very very good no.2’s are worth 150+ million dollars. Specially ones that eat up innings, that post, that are just solid workhorses in a rotation."
Nola had a rather good 2022, finishing the season with an 11–13 record, posting a 3.25 ERA and 235 strikeouts in 32 starts and 205 innings. He also led the majors in strikeout-to-walk ratio.
He will hope to recapture some of that good form next year and help the Philadelphia Phillies push for a serious title charge.
Aaron Nola was an All-Star in 2018
Aaron Nola was selected by the Phillies seventh overall in the 2014 MLB Draft. He signed with the team for a $3.3 million signing bonus and made his major league debut on July 21, 2015, against the Tampa Bay Rays.
Nola in 2017 famously beat Curt Schilling's 1996 record for most strikeouts by a Phillies pitcher with fewer than 30 starts in one season. The following year, Nola made his All-Star debut after a stellar season.
Happy 29th Birthday to 2018 All-Star Aaron Nola.🎊🎊 #Phillies #RingTheBell https://t.co/R4YRfMDXcO
Aaron Nola also became only the fourth pitcher in franchise history to record at least 200 strikeouts in a single season. He is considered the team's ace by many.