Phillies fan-favorite lefty gets $11 million contract update ahead of arbitration

Matt Sullivan

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Phillies fan-favorite lefty gets $11 million contract update ahead of arbitration image

The Philadelphia Phillies have spent a bit of money this offseason, with the bulk coming from Kyle Schwarber's $150 million contract.

Schwarber is back, but there were still a few contract issues to figure out for a couple of fan-favorites this offseason.

According to Ari Alexander of 7 News, the Phillies have resolved one of those contract issues, avoiding arbitration by agreeing to an $11 million deal with lefty Jesus Luzardo.

Phillies sign Luzardo to $11 million contract

"Source: The Phillies and LHP Jesus Luzardo have reached an agreement for $11 million, avoiding arbitration," Alexander reports.

This is a significant deal for the Phillies, not just in the sense that they've officially locked in Luzardo for the 2026 MLB season, but that they're avoiding arbitration for a key starter.

He will be integral to the rotation in 2026, especially with some uncertainty with Zack Wheeler to begin the season.

Luzardo had an up-and-down 2025 season, with the middle of the year being a struggle for the new fan favorite lefty.

MORE: Cardinals' Brendan Donovan gets trade rumors update involving Mariners, Royals

While Ranger Suarez sits in free agency and is likely to sign elsewhere, the 2025 trade pickup is returning to the Phillies on an $11 million one-year deal.

He will be a free agent after this season, and the Phillies will need to make a decision by then on whether he will come back or not. A strong 2026 would make Luzardo a prime extension candidate.

But, for now, the Phillies have brought the fan favorite lefty back for another year on an $11 million deal, avoiding arbitration and beginning to finalize their current payroll.

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