New Phillies pitcher Jesús Luzardo has the potential to be a game-changer for a contending team like Philadelphia. He’s one of the key players to watch this spring.
Despite turning 28 in September, Luzardo already has six years of MLB experience. He began his career with the Athletics before being traded to the Marlins during his third season. This offseason, the Phillies acquired him in a trade, adding a promising left-handed starter to their rotation.
Luzardo features a four-pitch mix, highlighted by a mid-90s fastball and a slider that serves as his primary strikeout pitch. His best season came in 2023 with Miami, where he posted a 3.58 ERA and a 4.0 bWAR across 32 starts. However, that remains the only season in which he has made at least 30 starts, and just one of two seasons with at least 20 appearances.
In 2024, injuries derailed his season. A lumbar stress reaction in mid-June limited him to just 12 starts, where he struggled to a 5.00 ERA over 66.2 innings. This disappointing year makes him a strong candidate for the 2025 Comeback Player of the Year race.
A fresh start in Philadelphia could be just what Luzardo needs. Moving from a Marlins team that lost 100 games last season to a playoff contender should provide a boost.
He’s already expressed excitement about joining the Phillies, even flashing a few involuntary smiles when discussing the upcoming season.
Luzardo will slot into the middle of the rotation behind established veterans Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, which should ease some pressure as he looks to rebound.
The biggest name in the Comeback Player of the Year race is Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who missed over 100 games in 2024 due to a torn ACL. If he returns to his MVP form, he’ll be difficult to beat.
Still, Luzardo has a legitimate chance to be in the conversation. If he can replicate his 2023 success, he could become the first Phillie to win the award since Brad Lidge in 2008. Even if he falls short, a productive season with at least 25 starts would make him a valuable addition to Philadelphia’s rotation.
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