The Phillies are fresh off a season that saw them lean heavily on their starting rotation, and Jesús Luzardo was right in the thick of it. Now, with one offseason departure already in the books-Ranger Suárez walking in free agency-Philadelphia is staring down the possibility of losing another key left-hander next winter. The question is simple: Can the Phillies lock Luzardo in before he hits the open market?
Luzardo’s Breakout Year in Philly
Let’s start with what Luzardo brought to the table in 2025. After an injury-riddled season with the Marlins in 2024, the 28-year-old lefty came to Philadelphia and delivered arguably the best campaign of his career.
He racked up a career-high 15 wins, posted a 3.92 ERA, and struck out 216 batters-also a personal best-while maintaining a solid 1.22 WHIP. Those numbers don’t just look good on paper; they translated into real value for a Phillies team that needed every ounce of it.
With Zack Wheeler sidelined late in the year and Aaron Nola battling through a rough, injury-marred season, Luzardo stepped up. He didn’t just fill a rotation spot-he became a stabilizing force, a go-to arm when the team needed consistency the most. That kind of performance, especially in high-leverage moments, doesn’t go unnoticed.
Mutual Interest, But No Talks Yet
Both Luzardo and Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski have reportedly expressed interest in striking a deal to keep the southpaw in red pinstripes beyond 2026. But so far, despite the mutual admiration, there haven’t been any formal extension talks.
That could change with spring training around the corner. These things often come together once players and execs are back in the same room.
The good news for Phillies fans? Luzardo isn’t represented by Scott Boras.
That detail matters. Unlike the Suárez situation-where Boras clients typically prefer to test the open market-Luzardo’s camp may be more open to negotiating during the season.
That’s exactly how the Phillies handled Cristopher Sánchez’s four-year extension last June, and it’s a potential blueprint they could follow again.
Luzardo: “I’d love to be a Phillie”
If there’s any doubt about Luzardo’s interest in sticking around, he’s made his feelings clear. He enjoyed his first year in Philadelphia, not just on the mound, but in the clubhouse and the city.
“I’d obviously love to be a Phillie for a long time,” Luzardo told reporters. “I had a great time last year. I really love the organization and the clubhouse.”
That kind of statement isn’t just lip service. Luzardo went on to say that his experience exceeded expectations-from the way the front office operates to the energy in the stands.
“It was very refreshing to see that,” he said. “I really enjoyed it.”
Why the Phillies Need to Get This Done
Let’s zoom out a bit. The Phillies’ rotation picture for 2027 is anything but settled.
Wheeler is entering the final year of his deal. Nola and Sánchez are still under contract, but both come with some question marks-Nola’s health and consistency being the biggest.
Top prospect Andrew Painter is a name to watch, but he’s still unproven at the big-league level.
If Luzardo walks next winter, that’s two left-handed starters lost in back-to-back offseasons. That’s not a hole you can easily patch, especially with the cost of starting pitching rising and the free-agent market growing more competitive.
Dombrowski has never been shy about making bold moves, and this is one that could pay off in a big way. Locking up Luzardo before Opening Day-or at least before the end of the 2026 season-would give the Phillies some much-needed stability in their rotation and send a clear message that they’re serious about sustaining their recent success.
Luzardo has shown he can thrive in this environment. He wants to be here. Now it’s up to the front office to make sure he stays.