Phillies MLB Offseason Profiles: Jesús Luzardo
Dave Dombrowski and the Philadelphia Phillies seemed poised to make a major splash when the MLB offseason began.
A veteran roster with a shrinking World Series window, a future Hall of Fame executive running the front office, and an owner with deep pockets in a large, demanding media market seemed like the perfect formula for hot stove headlines.
Instead, the Phillies added a trio of veterans who collectively showed tremendous upside in 2023 that dipped during injury-plagued seasons in 2024. Will these less expensive, short-term acquisitions keep them atop the National League East and in championship contention?
- Jordan Romano
- Max Kepler
- Jesus Luzardo
- Joe Ross (coming soon)
Jesus Luzardo
The Phillies dealt prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd to add the last puzzle piece to arguably the best starting rotation in the majors.
Jesus Luzardo broke out with Miami Marlins late in 2022 after a windy career path that began in the Oakland Athletics organization.
The lefty returned from a long-term injury absence for 12 starts from August 1 until the end of the season. He posted a 3.03 ERA and held opposing hitters to a .198 batting average.
Luzardo proved that he was no flash in the pan during his only full season in an MLB starting rotation in 2023. His 3.58 ERA in 32 starts earned him the start in Game 1 of the National League Wild Card Series when the Marlins visited Citizens Bank Park.
His 2024 season – and trade discussions ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline – halted because of a lumbar stress reaction that kept him off the mound after June 16.
He called the lower-back issue the root of his struggles last season. He expects to return to full form after an injury contributed to his underwhelming numbers in limited action.
“It hindered me in my ability to do these other things. Now being back to being healthy, I think there are certain things that I was doing in ’22 and ’23 – maybe in the way of attacking guys or different little things that I can do in my game-planning attacking these hitters.” -Jesus Luzardo
The 27-year-old ranks near the top of the majors the past three seasons in strikeout rate and whiff rate. He ranked eighth among qualified starters with 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings in 2023.
Luzardo averaged 96.4 miles per hour with his four-seam fastball in 2023. The velocity dipped to 95.3 in 2024, but he considers himself at full strength entering spring training. He also brings swing and miss ability with a slider and change-up that can keep hitters off balance.
Luzardo is the only player in MLB history born in Peru. His family is Venezuelan, however, and he lived in Florida for most of his childhood.
He’s already gotten to know star prospect Andrew Painter, who works out the same gym in West Palm Beach. Luzardo considers his relationship with Painter part of “a tight-knit baseball brotherhood” in South Florida.
Trade Evaluation
The Phillies entered the offseason with one of the best rosters in the majors. The fact remained true even after the arms race with big names like Juan Soto, Blake Snell, and Kyle Tucker moving to National League contenders.
However, Dombrowski couldn’t simply stand pat. His reported interest in altering the lineup with a tweaked approach hasn’t materialized, and Phillies fans are still anxiously awaiting a rumoured trade involving Alec Bohm.
The widespread (and logical) idea after the World Series about the Phillies as a franchise looking to make a splash didn’t properly account for two factors.
An already expensive payroll probably affected Philadelphia’s offseason strategy more than initially expected. Their three major offseason acquisitions will only cost about $25 million this season.
Luzardo comes with two remaining seasons of club control. He’ll likely earn about $6 million in 2025. Frankie Montas conversely signed with the New York Mets for over $16 million on a one-year contract, and his track record doesn’t match Luzardo’s.
Dombrowski also hesitated to include top prospects Andrew Painter, Aidan Miller, and Justin Crawford in any trade discussions. The Phillies as an organization have proudly rebuilt their farm system, and they expect their top prospects to reach the major league level soon.
A typically aggressive executive showed more restraint than he has at certain other points in his past.
Dombrowski has alternatively shown the willingness to trade younger prospects farther away from making their MLB debuts. He moved 22-year-old George Klassen ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline for Carlos Estevez, and 19-year-old Starlyn Caba was the centerpiece of the Luzardo deal.
Fit With Phillies
Acquiring Luzardo improves a starting rotation that was among the best in the majors without him in 2024.
The Phillies will likely enter spring training with Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, Cristopher Sanchez, and Jesus Luzardo.
“Good or bad, I’ve always felt that is to try to throw a quality starting pitcher out there every single day if you can. It gives you the odds to win.” -Dave Dombrowski
The MLB offseason pivot to load up on pitching could compensate for the lack of new blood on offense if the current roster stays intact. The bolstered strength and added depth in the starting rotation theoretically takes weight off the bullpen.
The luxury also raises trade questions, however. The solidified spot in the rotation adds more uncertainty for Ranger Suarez. The cool, collected fan favorite is unlikely to sign a long-term deal to stay in Philadelphia past 2025.
Teams in World Series contention don’t usually subtract key contributors midseason. Dombrowski did, however, show the willingness to move Seranthony Dominguez and Gregory Soto in 2024. Don’t rule out a midseason Suarez deal.
Keeping the five established starters theoretically locks in the rotation this season. However, the increased use of the six-man rotation, the unconventional bullpen strategies in recent MLB postseasons, the possible emergence of Painter in 2025, and the always looming chance of injuries only proves the old cliche that MLB teams can never have enough pitching.
All advanced numbers according of StatCast (unless otherwise noted)
