Phillies sign Jesús Luzardo to five-year $135 million deal to strengthen rotation for future seasons

TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Mar 11, 2026, 01:41 IST

Image credit : AP

The Philadelphia Phillies secured a key piece of their future rotation by signing left-handed pitcher Jesús Luzardo to a five-year, $135 million contract beginning in 2027. Luzardo chose long-term stability with Philadelphia instead of entering free agency next offseason, citing confidence in the organization and its strong pitching staff. The deal pays $27 million annually and includes a $32.5 million team option for 2032, along with a conditional option tied to injury time and performance incentives related to Cy Young Award voting. Luzardo joins an already talented rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sánchez, while top prospect Andrew Painter may soon compete for a spot. Phillies executive Dave Dombrowski said the dependable group gives the team confidence each season. Luzardo went 15–7 with a 3.92 ERA and 216 strikeouts last year after arriving from the Miami Marlins.

<p>Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo tosses the ball to first baseman Otto Kemp for the out on Miami Marlins' Javier Sanoja during the third inning of a baseball game, Wednesday, Sept. 24, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson)</p>

The Philadelphia Phillies secured their pitching future by signing left-hander Jesus Luzardo to a five-year contract worth $135 million. The agreement begins in 2027 and keeps the 28-year-old pitcher with the team for the long term.

Luzardo chose to stay with Philadelphia instead of waiting to become a free agent next offseason. He said the strong starting rotation and the stability in the organization helped him make the decision.

“I think this came at the perfect time for me,” Luzardo said during a press conference at the team’s spring training facility in Clearwater, Florida.

The deal will pay Luzardo $27 million each season. It also includes a $32.5 million team option for 2032 and another conditional option that could be triggered if he spends a long stretch on the injured list. The option value can increase if he finishes high in Cy Young Award voting. He would also receive a $1 million bonus if he is traded.

Philadelphia has focused heavily on building a strong rotation in recent years. Luzardo now joins a group that includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola and Cristopher Sanchez. Young pitcher Andrew Painter is also expected to compete for a spot in the rotation.

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said having a group of reliable starters gives the team confidence going into each season. “It gives you a lot of comfort when you know you go forward with those types of individuals,” he said.

Luzardo had a strong season last year after joining the Phillies in a trade from the Miami Marlins. He finished with a 15-7 record and a 3.92 ERA while striking out 216 batters, which was among the top totals in the National League. He also finished seventh in Cy Young Award voting.

Over seven seasons in the major leagues, Luzardo has also played for the Oakland Athletics. His career record stands at 41-41 with a 4.19 ERA.

The Phillies believe Luzardo will remain an important part of their rotation as the team continues its push for another deep postseason run.

Phillies sign Jesús Luzardo to five-year $135 million deal to strengthen rotation for future seasons

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