How the Phillies closed the seven-year, $172 million megadeal with Aaron Nola

PHILADELPHIA — When the free-agent market opened for business two weeks ago, it became clear almost right away that a familiar rival would pose the primary threat to the Phillies’ quest to retain Aaron Nola. The Braves, off back-to-back 100-win seasons and divisional-round ousters by the Phillies, made a six-year, $162 million offer to Nola out of the chute, a source said Sunday. It was a sensible starting point. Atlanta’s bid equaled the Yankees’ deal with free-agent lefty Carlos Rodón last winter. It was also neither the Braves’ final offer nor the only one that Nola received. The deep-pocke…

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