Report: Phillies Acquire Lefty Starter Jesus Luzardo in Deal with Marlins

Everyone waiting for a big Phillies move this offseason just got an early holiday present. 

According to Matt Gelb of The Athletic (paywall), the Phillies acquired the electric arm of Jesus Luzardo in a trade with the Miami Marlins. 

According to the report, which doesn't have the final details of the trade just yet, the Phillies will be parting ways with shortstop prospect Starlyn Caba and possibly minor league outfielder Emaarion Boyd. The Phillies are also expected to receive a minor league catcher in return from the Marlins. 

Luzardo, 27, dealt with an elbow issue and a back issue in 2024 that limited him to just 66 2/3 innings and an unusually high 5.00 ERA. 

And injuries have plagued his career to this point, but in 2023, Luzardo's healthiest season, he was the Marlins best pitcher en route to their berth in the Wild Card. 

In 2023, he tossed 178 2/3 innings with a 3.58 ERRA and impressive strikeout (28.1%) and walk rates (7.4%). 

Zack Wheeler
Aaron Nola
Cristopher Sanchez
Ranger Suarez
Jesus Luzardo
Andrew Painterpic.twitter.com/nGtwj3DSov

— Phillies Tailgate (@PhilsTailgate) December 22, 2024

Luzardo has a nasty, four-pitch mix and has two seasons of team control remaining. 

The Phillies have been looking for another lefty starter and were linked for several months to Garrett Crochet before he was traded to Boston for four minor league prospects. 

The Phillies landed an equally-talented lefty and didn't have to part with any of their top prospects. 

Luzardo is arbitration-eligible, but according to MLB Trade Rumors he is expected to make approximately $6 million. 

If that's the case, the Phillies will surpass the highest tax threshold of $301 million, maintaining their spot as the second-highest payroll in the majors behind the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers.

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