The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be making a major long-term commitment to their pitching staff, as multiple reports indicate the club is finalizing a five-year, $135 million contract extension with left-handed starter Jesús Luzardo.
Philadelphia first acquired Luzardo in December 2024 from the Miami Marlins in a deal that sent two minor league prospects in the opposite direction. Since arriving in Philadelphia, the 28-year-old has quickly become an important part of the team’s starting rotation.
The new agreement would keep the Lima, Peru native with the Phillies through the 2031 season. Luzardo delivered a strong campaign last year, posting a 15-7 record with a 3.92 ERA across 32 starts. He also reached career highs in wins, innings pitched (183.2), and strikeouts (216), solidifying his status as one of the team’s most dependable arms.
The extension comes at a pivotal time for Philadelphia’s pitching staff. The Phillies lost left-hander Ranger Suárez in free agency when he signed with the Boston Red Sox earlier this year. Meanwhile, veteran right-hander Aaron Nola is coming off a difficult season, and ace Zack Wheeler is working his way back after undergoing thoracic outlet decompression surgery, which sidelined him during Philadelphia’s shortened postseason run.
Given those uncertainties, securing Luzardo provides stability as the Phillies transition toward a younger pitching core. His age, durability, and strikeout ability make him a key piece for the club as it tries to remain competitive in the Major League Baseball race over the next several seasons.
Over his big-league career, Luzardo has compiled a 41-41 record with a 4.19 ERA while pitching for the Oakland Athletics, the Marlins, and the Phillies. With this new deal reportedly in place, Philadelphia is betting that his best years are still ahead
