What Jesus Luzardo deal means for Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies opened their checkbook for a five-year extension for left-hander Jesus Luzardo, NBC Sports Philadelphia confirmed Monday.. 

ESPN’s Jeff Passan earlier had reported the sides were finalizing a five-year contract extension worth $135 million. 

The Phillies had the second-best starting rotation in the majors in 2025 (3.53 ERA) and lost a significant portion of that staff, including left-hander Ranger Suarez, in the offseason. Suarez signed a five-year ($130 million) contract with the Boston Red Sox after spending the first 14 years of his professional career in the Phillies' system. 

Losing Suarez suggested a deal for Luzardo had to be in the works, as Luzardo has the potential to be an ace. Injuries and time with struggling teams such as the Marlins and the Oakland Athletics slowed his development.

Jesus Luzardo Cristopher Sanchez to lead Philadelphia staff for now

With ace Zack Wheeler, a right-hander who is rehabbing from thoracic outlet decompression surgery, likely not ready for Opening Day, Luzardo and left-hander Cristopher Sanchez will lead the staff for the time being. 

Luzardo had the best season of his career in 2025, posting a 15-7 record with a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts. Luzardo was healthy for the entire season, pitching in a career-high 183.2 innings. 

The 28-year-old left-hander was the Phillies' big offseason acquisition in 2025. The team dealt prospects Emaarion Boyd, an outfielder, and Staryln Caba, an infielder, to Miami for Luzardo.