Phillies Sign Jesús Luzardo to Five-Year, $135 Million Extension

The deal will keep the left-handed pitcher in Philadelphia through the 2031 season.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies have agreed to a five-year, $135 million contract extension with starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo, keeping him with the team through the 2031 season. Luzardo was set to become a free agent after the 2026 season, but the Phillies opted to lock him up long-term rather than risk losing him on the open market.

Why it matters

The Phillies have made a significant investment in their starting rotation, securing Luzardo as a key part of their future plans. Luzardo had a strong first season in Philadelphia in 2025 and the team sees him as a frontline starter, pairing him with fellow left-hander Cristopher Sánchez as the cornerstones of their pitching staff for years to come.

The details

Luzardo, 24, was acquired by the Phillies in a trade with the Miami Marlins in December 2024. He had a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts for the Phillies in 2025, a career-high in innings pitched. The new deal, which begins in 2027, will take Luzardo through the 2031 season. The Phillies will also continue to pay Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola large salaries over the next several years as they build around their starting rotation.

  • Luzardo was set to become a free agent after the 2026 season.
  • The new contract extension begins in 2027 and runs through the 2031 season.

The players

Jesús Luzardo

A 24-year-old left-handed starting pitcher who the Phillies acquired in a trade with the Miami Marlins in 2024. He had a strong first season in Philadelphia in 2025 and is now signed to a long-term extension.

Zack Wheeler

A veteran right-handed starting pitcher for the Phillies who is owed $42 million per season over the next two years.

Aaron Nola

The Phillies' ace right-handed starting pitcher who is under contract through 2030 at $24.5 million per season.

Cristopher Sánchez

A left-handed starting pitcher for the Phillies who is considered one of the best in the sport and is under contract through 2028 with club options for 2029 and 2030.

Andrew Painter

The Phillies' top pitching prospect who is expected to contribute at the major league level in 2026.

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What’s next

The Phillies will look to continue building around their strong starting rotation as they aim to contend for a playoff spot in 2026 and beyond.

The takeaway

By signing Jesús Luzardo to a long-term extension, the Phillies have solidified their starting rotation for the foreseeable future, pairing the young left-hander with established aces like Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola as they look to return to the postseason.