Phillies Lock Up Jesus Luzardo with $135 Million Contract Extension

The 28-year-old lefty will remain in Philadelphia through 2031 season.

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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The Philadelphia Phillies have signed starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo to a five-year, $135 million contract extension, keeping the 28-year-old left-hander under team control through the 2031 season. Luzardo, who was acquired by the Phillies from the Miami Marlins prior to the 2025 season, is coming off a strong year in which he went 15-7 with a 3.92 ERA and 216 strikeouts in 183.2 innings pitched.

Why it matters

Luzardo gives the defending NL East champion Phillies a formidable top-three in their starting rotation, joining Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez as the team looks to win its first World Series title since 2008. The extension provides the Phillies with long-term stability in their pitching staff, especially with Wheeler's injury history.

The details

Luzardo, whose fastball reaches 97 mph and features a dominant slider, was set to become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season. The new five-year deal will keep him in Philadelphia through the 2031 season. In his first year with the Phillies in 2025, Luzardo went 15-7 with a 3.92 ERA and 216 strikeouts, the second-highest total in the National League behind the Giants' Logan Webb.

  • Luzardo was acquired by the Phillies from the Miami Marlins prior to the 2025 season.
  • Luzardo's new five-year, $135 million contract extension was signed on Monday, March 10, 2026.

The players

Jesus Luzardo

A 28-year-old left-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, known for his 97 mph fastball and dominant slider.

Zack Wheeler

A 35-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, who is coming off thoracic outlet surgery.

Cristopher Sanchez

A starting pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, who along with Luzardo and Wheeler, forms the team's formidable top-three rotation.

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The takeaway

By locking up Jesús Luzardo with a five-year, $135 million contract extension, the Philadelphia Phillies have solidified their starting rotation as they look to win their first World Series title since 2008. Luzardo's presence alongside Zack Wheeler and Cristopher Sanchez gives the Phillies a formidable trio to lead their pitching staff and defend their NL East crown.