The Phillies have a massive decision to make regarding Jesus Luzardo

The Philadelphia Phillies have found themselves in the postseason for the last four seasons. Unfortunately, it has been two back-to-back losses in the NLDS.

The club would love to take the next step in 2026, and spent the offseason filling holes as they see them. They re-signed Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, while also signing names like Adolis Garcia and Brad Keller. 

They are still in their championship window, but time is starting to run out. They may want to make the most of this season because they have some big talent that is expected to be a free agent when the 2026 season ends. 

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The Phillies have a massive decision to make regarding Jesus Luzardo

With the lineup pretty much set in place, the front office can start thinking about other matters. This could include locking up some talent on extensions, keeping the group together a bit longer. 

Jesus Luzardo will become a free agent when the 2026 season ends, and could be a prime extension candidate, via MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

"Luzardo is set to hit the open market at the end of the season, so it's unlikely that he would sign a new deal this close to free agency. Zack Wheeler is signed for two more years, and while Aaron Nola is signed through 20230, he posted a 6.01 ERA in only 17 starts last year. Tijuan Walker will be a free agent next winter, and Andrew Painter has yet to make his big league debut, leaving some long-term questions in the Phillies' rotation."

The only problem in trying to get Luzardo to sign an extension is how close he is to being a free agent. He would likely be taking a salary cut just to stay in Philadelphia, but if he feels comfortable there and with where they are headed, it would not hurt to seriously think about offering Luzardo a few more years.

More MLB news:

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• The Astros could face a big problem in extending Hunter Brown
• All eyes will be on Angels' RHP Grayson Rodriguez this spring