While the Philadelphia Phillies might not spend much more money this offseason, they are getting roughly $80 million off their books for next year and will have plenty of ammo to improve the roster.
But, of the outgoing free agents, there is one player whom the Phillies likely want to bring back. Starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo, after a strong 2025 season, is a priority re-signing candidate.
However, extensions with players associated with Scott Boras rarely go well. That's not the case here, as Tim Kelly of On Pattison reports that Luzardo's agent isn't Boras, and instead is Roc Nation Sports.
Phillies get good news on Luzardo extension with agency update
"Multiple people with knowledge of the situation confirmed to OnPattison that Scott Boras is not the southpaw's agent, despite some outlets citing him as the 28-year-old's representative," Kelly reports.
This might not seem like significant news, but players who have Boras as their agent typically don't sign extensions, and instead will hit free agency to get the best possible deal.
But if Luzardo wants to come back, and the Phillies want to ink an extension, then Jay-Z's Roc Nation Sports should be a better agency to negotiate with than Boras Corp.
Luzardo, this past season, went 15-7 with a 3.92 ERA and 3.9 bWAR in one of the best seasons of his MLB career. The 28-year-old lefty had a great season for the Phillies and could be a long-term option for the team.
More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency
With Ranger Suarez going to the Boston Red Sox, Zach Wheeler planning to retire after 2027, and the Phillies having a few holes in the rotation soon, extending Luzardo before he hits free agency might be something the Phillies are very interested in.
While they could splurge on someone like Tarik Skubal next offseason, the Phillies might be better off spending a lot less on Luzardo and using some of the leftover money to improve other areas of the roster.
Luzardo has been a great addition for the Phillies after just one year, and whether it's before the season, during the year, or after the season comes to a close, the Phillies extending Luzardo is a move that makes a ton of sense for both sides.
A Phillies-Luzardo extension is a lot more likely since he's not with Boras Corp. If there's mutual interest in an extension, this agent news is a great sign that a deal could be struck before he hits free agency.
More MLB news:
- Mets offer to Kyle Tucker before Dodgers' $240 million deal revealed by former MLB GM
- Kyle Tucker contract details: How much deferred money did Dodgers give new star?
- Dodgers continue to frustrate all of MLB with major Kyle Tucker signing
- Red Sox get big trade update on Brendan Donovan amid updated rumors
- Former Cubs, Twins All-Star utilityman to sign with Rockies on two-year deal
- Mets get bad news on free-agent Cody Bellinger amid strong Yankees offer