Philadelphia Phillies May Have Just Discovered Nola's Replacement

The Philadelphia Phillies will have a decision to make when it comes to their ace Aaron Nola. The righty is slated to become a free agent at the end of the 2023 MLB season and no contract extension has been agreed to between the two parties.

In fact, extension conversations were had ahead of the start of the season, but stalled with no numbers really being discussed. 

The situation has become even more murky for the two parties as Nola has pitched to a 4.49 ERA in 148.1 innings this season. It's a far cry from his career 3.70 mark, but he is exhibiting his trademarked durability and ability to chew innings. 

Is Nola worth a big money extension that could top over $200 million? Or is that something Philadelphia even wants to pursue financially?

That choice may have just been made when president of baseball operations made a shrewd trade for Michael Lorenzen during this past MLB trade deadline. 

In his last start with the Phillies, Lorenzen through a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals. In his first start with his new team, the righty threw eight innings of two-run ball. 

Granted, Lorenzen doesn't have the same track record as Nola. In fact, he has only thrown more than 100 innings in one other season before 2023, all the way back in his 2015 rookie season. 

However, if Lorenzen can finish out his breakout season strong, Dombrowski and the Phillies may have just found the answer to their Aaron Nola question. 

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