Richard McCarthy
Monday was primed to showcase the NFL’s free agency frenzy as 25 of the top 30 free agents inked new deals, with total spending exceeding over $2 billion. While all of this movement was happening, the Philadelphia Phillies made a splash of their own, inking starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo to a 5 year, $135 million extension. The new contract runs through 2031, with a club option for 2032. Luzardo was set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Luzardo joins Aaron Nola, Cole Hamels, Zack Wheeler, and Cliff Lee as Phillies pitchers who’ve been signed for over $100 million. This contract type hasn’t always been successful. Hamels and Lee didn’t finish their contracts with the team. Wheeler has been exceptional in his time with Philly, but is returning from thoracic outlet syndrome. Nola is coming off the worst season of his career.
Luzardo was drafted in 2016 by the division rival Washington Nationals. He never suited up for them, due to being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2017. He made his debut in 2019, becoming the first Peruvian-born player in the major leagues.
Two years later, the Athletics dealt him back to the NL East, to the Miami Marlins, in exchange forStarling Marte. He pitched there for four seasons, including an elite season in 2023. He posted a 4.7 WAR, a career low 3.58 ERA, and 208 strikeouts. This season certainly put him on Philly’s radar. Luzardo went 2-0 against them, with two quality starts. He would be dealt to the Phillies in 2024, in exchange for two prospects.
Luzardo becomes the fifth-highest-paid left-handed pitcher, ranking behind Framber Valdez, Blake Snell, Garrett Crochet, and Max Fried. He’s coming off his first season in Philadelphia, as well as his best pro season. He went 15-7, with a 3.92 ERA and 216 strikeouts in over 180 innings. Those 216 strikeouts ranked second in the National League, only behind Logan Webb.
Luzardo’s re-signing underscores the Phillies’ emphasis on retaining elite starting pitching. They have Wheeler under contract for $42 million, Nola for north of $24 million, and Cristopher Sanchez on a team-friendly deal for a little above $5 million, all through at least 2027. With top prospect Andrew Painter due to make his debut this season, they should have elite starting pitching for years to come.
