Phillies predicted to pass on $400M, 2-time Cy Young winner after Jesus Lazardo contract extension

The Philadelphia Phillies have had quite the offseason when it comes to their star player Bryce Harper and president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski. Dombrowski made comments suggesting Harper may no longer be elite, and the Phillies’ star was not happy about it.

“I don't get motivated by that kind of stuff. For me it was kind of wild the whole situation of that happening," Harper told reporters. "I think the big thing for me was when we first met with this organization it was, 'Hey, we're always going to keep things in-house, and we expect you to do the same thing,' so when that didn't happen, it kind of took me for a run a little bit, so I don't know. It's part of it, I guess. It was kind of a wild situation."

While that situation has quieted down since then, the Phillies have continued making moves, including extending pitcher Jesús Luzardo.

“The Philadelphia Phillies locked in Jesus Luzardo a year before he was due to reach free agency by agreeing with the left-hander on a five-year contract extension. The deal is worth $135 million, sources told ESPN on Monday, and runs through the 2031 season, with a club option for 2032,” Jeff Passan of ESPN wrote.

With the Phillies extending Luzardo, it likely takes them out of the race for Tarik Skubal.

“Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal is the hottest name in next offseason’s free agent class, as the 29-year-old is coming off back-to-back Cy Young-winning seasons. Skubal is poised to break the bank of whoever signs him, and could very well set a new record for starting pitcher compensation. The Phillies and their deep pockets are frequently connected to most big name free agents, and it’s only natural for fans to have dreamed of the possibility of a 2027 rotation featuring Skubal, a healthy Zack Wheeler and an emergent Andrew Painter. Alas, that’s probably not meant to be, as hefty contracts for Wheeler, Aaron Nola and now Luzardo take up the bulk of the pitching budget. Still, it’s always fun to dream,” TBOH’s Ethan Williams wrote.

Skubal will likely command a massive contract wherever he signs, but the Phillies may have effectively taken themselves out of the race with the Luzardo extension. Philadelphia is already in a strong position with its pitching staff if Luzardo continues to take steps forward.

The Phillies roster could look different in the coming years, but it likely won’t include the best pitcher in baseball. Even so, Philadelphia should remain an exciting team moving forward.

More MLB news: