Phillies risk rotation's future by repeating Ranger Suárez mistake with Jesús Luzardo

Philadelphia Phillies fans knew it was unlikely that Ranger Suárez would re-sign this offseason. His hiring of Scott Boras last winter all but guaranteed the starting pitcher was going to test free agency to sign a big contract. Could the Phillies be faced with the possibility of losing another starter next winter in Jesús Luzardo?

Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski is faced with the task of keeping the former Washington Nationals' 2016 third-round pick in Philadelphia beyond this year. Luzardo will be a free agent next offseason, so how likely is it that he and the Phillies agree to an extension before Opening Day or during this season?

Will Phillies extend Jesús Luzardo or see him follow Ranger Suárez into free agency?

According to The Athletic's Charlotte Varnes, both Dombrowski and Luzardo have expressed interest in a contract extension (subscription required). However, according to the left-hander, the topic hasn't been discussed between the parties. However, talks could resume once spring training begins.

Unlike Suárez, Luzardo is not represented by Boras. As a result, it's possible a contract extension could be worked out during the regular season, as was the case when the Phillies finalized a four-year deal with Cristopher Sánchez in June 2024.

Luzardo is interested in remaining with the Phillies. Coming off an injury-plagued 2024 season with the Miami Marlins, the 28-year-old had arguably his best year in the majors in 2025. He compiled a career-high 15 wins, a 3.92 ERA, a 1.22 WHIP, and a career-best 216 strikeouts in his first year in Philadelphia. The lefty was reliable down the stretch of the regular season, helping cover Zack Wheeler's season-ending injury and Aaron Nola's bad, injury-plagued year.

According to MLB.com's Paul Casella, Luzardo has said that he had a positive experience with the Phillies last year and wants to come to terms on an extension to remain with the team beyond 2026.

"I'd obviously love to be a Phillie for a long time," Luzardo said, per Casella. "I had a great time last year. I really love the organization and the clubhouse."

"I didn't know what to expect really, going into a new organization like that," Luzardo said, per Casella. "But it did kind of exceed -- just like seeing how the organization was run, the guys in the clubhouse, the fans in the stands. Everything just kind of, I don't want to say caught me by surprise, but it was very refreshing to see that and I really enjoyed it."

While it's challenging to forecast the outlook surrounding the Phillies' rotation a year from now, losing another key contributor for a second consecutive offseason would be painful. Even if there's optimism about top prospect Andrew Painter entering the 2027 season, Philadelphia will have Wheeler entering his final season, with Nola and Sánchez still under contract. There is uncertainty surrounding Wheeler and Nola presently. Will that still be the case a year from now?

Securing a contract extension with Luzardo before Opening Day or the end of the regular season would be more beneficial for the Phillies than having to address the situation next winter. Luzardo appears willing to work on a deal, so it's up to Dombrowski to make it happen.