Breaking: $71 Million Starter on the Move? Phillies-Marlins Trade Talks Heat Up
The Philadelphia Phillies had a great regular season but failed to make a deep run in the postseason. The team could look to swing a trade for another starting pitcher this winter.
Just Baseball’s Caleb Moody named the Phillies as potential suitors for Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo. Luzardo would be a great addition to a rotation that already features Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez and Christopher Sánchez.
“But beyond that top four, there’s some real questions on how this rotation will shape up. Taijuan Walker is coming off the worst year of his career with a 7.10 ERA and 1.72 WHIP in 2024,” wrote Moody.
The Phillies were unable to pull off a trade for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet. There is a chance Andrew Painter will be ready next season, but the Phillies cannot build a rotation on that hope. Luzardo has struggled to stay healthy, but when he’s on the mound he is great. In his last full season, in 2023, he struck out 208 with a 3.58 ERA in 32 starts.
“Luzardo would provide the Phillies with a top-notch option to round out their starting rotation, giving them a path to compete with the likes of the mighty Los Angeles Dodgers when it comes with the strength of their starter core,” wrote Moody.
Luzardo is projected to earn a five-year, $71 million deal when he hits free agency. The Phillies can afford to extend him if they choose. However, regardless of that, he is under club control through 2026.
