Philadelphia Phillies fans are among the most passionate you can find in the sport. Expectations remain high for the Phillies even with early exits the last two years in postseason competition. Winning is hard enough, but the added pressure from fans adds another level.
That type of pressure is normal for players like Bryce Harper, per Jeff Passan of ESPN. Being on the game's biggest stage in a win-now-driven city can make or break athlete's legacies. When bringing aboard new players, their perspective on the new environment sets the tone for their tenure in Philadelphia. Jesús Luzardo was brought to the Phillies via trade from the Miami Marlins in December, and fans want to know how he'll handle the limelight. As it turns out, he embraces all of it.
Phillies' new starter Jesús Luzardo says he's ready for Philadelphia fans
The Phillies' payroll has tightened the belt on what spending they could do this year. This offseason was a series of one-year deals until they went out and made an investment by acquiring Luzardo in the midst of free agency. Luzardo, 27 now, has a chance to elevate his game on a bigger stage than ever before. The Marlins faced off against the Phillies in the 2023 Wild Card Series and was given a taste of what Red October was like after he started Game 1 in Philadelphia.
"I loved it," Luzardo said during an interview on Sports Radio 94WIP earlier this week. "I mean, playing that villain role, getting booed, there's a reason why they're booing you, so I loved it, I had a great time, but obviously now I'm more excited to be on the home side for it. ... If I'm not doing well I deserve to get booed. So I don't take it to heart. If anything, it motivates me to be better."
New Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo on the reputation of Philadelphia fans:
— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) March 4, 2025
"If I'm not doing well I deserve to get booed so I don't take it to heart, if anything it motivates me to be better." pic.twitter.com/ku99FPOn0a
It's quite the change of scenery for Luzardo, coming from a semi-empty LoanDepot Park in Florida. Citizens Bank Park is notoriously its own animal and he gets to be a part of that for the foreseeable future. Hopefully there aren't too many outings like he had on Wednesday in Clearwater. He went two innings, allowing six runs on six hits, and three straight home runs (subscription required), per Alex Coffey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Fans in South Philadelphia may not have the same relaxed sigh as they would during a spring training game.
Things are still being ironed out with weeks to go until Opening Day. Luzardo could very well end up being the fifth starter in the rotation to start the season. His 3.78 ERA since 2022 would suggest he could be the best fifth starter in baseball. If he's as ready as he says he is, that's one less worry for him and the fans who will watch him now compete for the Phillies.