Phillies' Zack Wheeler teases change in retirement plans after 2027: 'never say never'

The Philadelphia Phillies are entering the 2026 MLB season with a clear timeline. The players are getting older, and the money isn't as abundant as before.

While they'll have some money to spend next offseason, the future of this team has some big question marks as the veterans get older. The 2027 season might be the last year of this current window of contention, thanks in part to Zack Wheeler.

He's said he plans to retire after 2027, which has created the "Wheeler Window" for the Phillies. However, during an appearance on 94 WIP, Wheeler teased that he might postpone his retirement to stick with the Phillies for a little while longer.

Zack Wheeler teases exciting retirement change of plans for 2027 season

"I keep getting asked this question," Wheeler said. "I don't know. It probably just depends on what happens next year. You know, with the lockout and everything like that. I never want to say never, but it's still up in the air."

Phillies' Ace Zack Wheeler says "never say never " on playing past his current contract. pic.twitter.com/5nVctp6ZJb

While Wheeler might still end up retiring after the 2027 season, as is his plan, he could decide to come back for another season in 2028.

That depends on how the 2027 season goes. If a lockout makes 2027 a lost year, then Wheeler might be more inclined to return for one last good season.

But if the Phillies win the World Series in 2027, then Wheeler could ride off into the sunset with a ring and an impressive final year to his career. He could also decide to try to go for a repeat if they win the World Series in 2027.

Wheeler missed the final few months of the 2025 MLB season due to thoracic outlet syndrome, and he's also set to miss the beginning of the 2026 season as he recovers from surgery.

More: Phillies trade proposal sends Bryce Harper to Pirates for Konnor Griffin

The three-time All-Star, Gold Glove ace is one of the best pitchers in baseball when healthy. He's under contract for two more seasons, and he plans to retire after 2027.

But this update from Wheeler, that his status beyond 2027 might be more in doubt than before, is a great update for the Phillies.

Wheeler might decide to return for the 2028 season, which would be huge for the Phillies. The beloved righty has been awesome for Philadelphia since signing in 2020, and he's posted a 2.91 ERA in 157 starts as one of the best pitchers in baseball since his signing.

This update from Wheeler doesn't confirm that he's coming back. But it's a lot more open-ended than before, which is much better than the firm retirement plans following the 2027 season he had before.

More MLB news:

• Yankees' Jazz Chisholm reveals his 9-figure contract asking price
• Cubs' Alex Bregman makes assertive no-trade clause Red Sox statement
• Mets fans should be concerned with Bo Bichette after fielding struggles go viral
• Carson Whisenhunt is throwing faster than ever for the Giants
• Carlos Lagrange is impressing at Yankees spring training with 100 mph pitches
• Blue Jays sign Joe Mantiply to minor league contract
• Phillies would be perfect match for Lucas Giolito
• Brett Lowder projected to earn Reds rotation spot over Chase Burns