Phillies boost Aaron Nola by rewarding last season’s pitcher Jesus Luzardo with $135M contract

After a winter of intense speculation regarding the Philadelphia Phillies‘ rotation, the fan base can finally exhale. The franchise moved decisively to lock up left-hander Jesus Luzardo with a five-year contract extension, effectively ending any uncertainty surrounding his long-term future alongside Aaron Nola and company.

Luzardo, whose contract status had been a major talking point throughout the spring, is now tied to Philadelphia through the 2031 season. By securing the $135 million deal now, the Phillies successfully keep the 28-year-old southpaw from hitting the open market when his previous deal was set to expire after the 2026 campaign.

The extension comes on the heels of a massive 2025 season for Luzardo, who emerged as a workhorse for Rob Thomson’s staff. He anchored the middle of the rotation with a 3.92 ERA over 183.2 innings, ranking second in the National League with 216 strikeouts and providing the kind of frontline stability the Phillies have craved.

Expectations for the Lima-born pitcher have never been higher. Since debuting in 2019, Luzardo has evolved into one of the game’s premier strikeout artists, and this commitment signals that the Phillies view him as a foundational piece alongside veteran Aaron Nola for the foreseeable future.

Phillies’ projected 2026 Opening Day rotation

With Luzardo’s future secured, the Phillies’ pitching hierarchy is beginning to take shape for the upcoming season. With ace Zack Wheeler expected to start the year on the injured list, the focus shifts to a deep group looking to defend their NL East crown.

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Here is how the Philadelphia rotation projects for the March 26 opener against the Diamondbacks:

1. Cristopher Sanchez (LHP)
2. Jesus Luzardo (LHP)
3. Aaron Nola (RHP)
4. Taijuan Walker (RHP)
5. Andrew Painter (RHP)

Following a 96-win season that ended in a frustrating NLDS exit, the pressure is on this staff to return the Phillies to the World Series. With the rotation now stabilized by Luzardo’s new deal, Philadelphia heads into the 2026 season with one of the most formidable pitching units in the National League.