Phillies spring training: Pitchers and catchers report; Zack Wheeler working on a contract extension; photos from Clearwater

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A few hours after the Phillies lost Game 7 of the National League Championship Series to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Oct. 24, Taijuan Walker sent a tweet.

“Disrespect is at an all time high #nextyear,” he wrote, at about 2 a.m.

CLEARWATER, Fla. — When it comes to negotiating his next contract, a potentially drawn-out process that is underway, Zack Wheeler's goals aren't complicated.

"I just want to be paid [based on] how I've done, what they expect out of me," the Phillies ace said Tuesday after a bullpen session on the first day of workouts for pitchers and catchers. "It's not all about the money to me, either. I took less to come here and be in a good spot and be happy and for my family to be happy. I do want — what's the right word? — I want what I feel like I've earned."

On Tuesday, as pitchers and catchers started to report for spring training, MLB fans got a look at the new 2024 jerseys. Reactions were...not positive — including from some players, who criticized the jerseys for poor fit and for looking cheap.

So, we went on Tuesday to the Phillies’ team store to get a look at the new Phillies’ uniforms for 2024 and to give you a breakdown on any changes.

On Tuesday, Philadelphia’s focus was on snow blanketing parts of the region. Today, it's on baseball. 

Phillies spring training is underway, with the team holding workouts for pitchers and catchers at the Carpenter Complex in Clearwater, Fla. They'll have 10 days to prepare for their first spring training game on Feb. 24 against the Toronto Blue Jays.

For the second straight year, NBC Sports Philadelphia will air 13 of the Phillies Grapefruit League games.

The network’s TV schedule kicks off with the Phillies' Feb. 25 matchup against the New York Yankees at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Fla., where the team has played spring ball for 77 years.

Anything can always happen, including an unexpected procedure on outfielder Brandon Marsh’s left knee last Friday. But as camp opens, there are only two, maybe three, jobs available on the 26-man roster.

Spencer Turnbull can’t be sent to the minors without his consent, and Connor Brogdon and Dylan Covey are out of minor-league options, which might give them inside tracks on the last two seats in the bullpen. Covey and perhaps Turnbull are also starter insurance cloaked as a long reliever.

The Phillies claimed reliever Kaleb Ort off waivers, the team announced Tuesday, and added him to the 40-man roster. Additionally, they agreed to a minor-league deal with right-hander David Buchanan, who pitched for the Phillies in 2014-15.

Ort, a 32-year-old righty, has bounced around waivers this winter, from the Mariners to the Marlins and now the Phillies. He posted a 6.26 ERA and had 24 strikeouts in 23 innings for the Red Sox last season. But Ort can be optioned to the minors.

Zack Wheeler is among the best free-agent signings in club history, and as he enters the last year of his contract, the Phillies intend to prioritize an extension. But does the ace share that interest?

Here’s what we know: Wheeler signed with the Phillies four years ago despite getting a better offer from the White Sox because he wanted to stay in the Northeast. He also has developed strong bonds with Nola and pitching coach Caleb Cotham, among others.

The Phillies are scheduled to open the 2024 season on March 28 against the Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park.

Single-game tickets to Phillies games went on sale last month, and the season opener in South Philly is already sold out. But you can still grab tickets to remaining two games against the Braves on opening weekend.