The Philadelphia Phillies won't be suffering another loss to their starting pitching corps next offseason. Following Ranger Suárez's signing with the Boston Red Sox, the Phillies agreed to a contract extension with Jesús Luzardo for five years and $135 million. The left-hander will earn $27 million each season from 2027-2031, a significant increase from the $11 million he's set to make in 2026. Because of that newly assigned money, Philadelphia will have some roster decisions to make regarding who can no longer be re-signed or retained.
The franchise may be in a position where they need to make some tough decisions over the next few offseasons, as an increasing number of supposed core players transcend the ranks of arbitration to enter free agency. Which three players may find themselves elsewhere over the next few years?
3 Phillies whose long-term futures will be elsewhere after Jesús Luzardo's contract extension
Bryson Stott
Bryson Stott has regressed offensively over the last two years following an impressive 2023. The native of Las Vegas, Nevada, made a hitting adjustment in the summer last season and saw improvement at the plate. He has had a solid spring training so far, but can he be a more dependable batter throughout the regular season?
Stott will be a free agent following the 2027 season. He's earning $5.9 million in his second year of arbitration. The Phillies may choose to use one of their top prospects at second base rather than giving him a contract extension.
Aroon Escobar is a player on the rise in the team's minor league system who may be ready to make his Phillies debut by the time Stott becomes a free agent. Philadelphia may choose to cut salary by not offering Stott an extension.
Brandon Marsh
Brandon Marsh hasn't consistently demonstrated he's a full-time outfielder since the Phillies acquired him in a trade with the Los Angeles Angels during the 2022 season. He will be in a platoon role in left field with Otto Kemp at the start of this year. Considering Kemp is only entering his second season in the majors, he could show plenty of improvement and emerge as a reliable option for the team in the outfield.
The Phillies are experiencing an influx of youth at the start of the season in their outfield, with Justin Crawford and Kemp both ready to contribute. Gabriel Rincones Jr. is another prospect who could debut in the majors during the regular season. If he remains with the organization, Dante Nori may be ready to make his debut by 2027, according to MLB Pipeline's estimated time of arrival.
Marsh will be a free agent after the 2027 season. He's a satisfactory depth option in the outfield, but isn't worth offering a contract extension to. The club may eventually have replacements for Marsh if Rincones and Nori progress in the minors.
Alec Bohm
Alec Bohm was a long shot to re-sign with the Phillies before Luzardo's extension. Now, it seems incredibly unlikely.
The third baseman is entering a contract season where he will earn $10.2 million in his final year of arbitration. A year after starting for the NL All-Star team in 2024, he struggled, as his total doubles decreased from 44 to 18, and his RBI total dropped from 97 to 57. He played in 120 games, 23 fewer than the year before, due to injuries.
Bohm's earnings this season are high for a player who has shown periods of inconsistency throughout his career. He was also in trade rumors over the previous two offseasons (subscription required). The Phillies want to promote top prospect Aidan Miller, possibly as early as mid-summer of this season. Despite Miller being a shortstop, the organization envisions him possibly being its future third baseman because of Trea Turner. Couple this with Luzardo's extension, and it's unlikely Bohm remains with Philadelphia beyond this year.