Although the Philadelphia Phillies may be mostly finished spending this offseason, they are set to clear nearly $80 million from their payroll next year, giving them significant flexibility to upgrade the roster. Among the players headed toward free agency, one stands out as a priority for the organization: starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo. After delivering a strong 2025 campaign, Luzardo has emerged as a key extension target.
Negotiations involving Scott Boras clients often prove difficult, but that concern doesn’t apply in this case. According to Tim Kelly of On Pattison, Luzardo is not represented by Boras. Instead, his agency is Roc Nation Sports.
Kelly reports that multiple sources confirmed Boras is not Luzardo’s agent, despite some reports suggesting otherwise. While the news may seem minor on the surface, it carries real significance. Players represented by Boras typically avoid extensions and prefer to test free agency to maximize their value.
If both sides are interested in a long-term deal, negotiating with Roc Nation Sports—founded by Jay-Z—could make an agreement far more attainable than dealing with Boras Corp.
On the field, Luzardo enjoyed one of the best seasons of his career in 2025, finishing 15–7 with a 3.92 ERA and 3.9 bWAR. The 28-year-old left-hander proved to be a major asset for Philadelphia and has the potential to anchor the rotation for years to come.
With Ranger Suárez departing for the Boston Red Sox, Zach Wheeler expected to retire after the 2027 season, and future questions surrounding the rotation, locking up Luzardo before free agency could be a top priority for the Phillies.
While Philadelphia could pursue a high-priced ace like Tarik Skubal next offseason, retaining Luzardo at a more reasonable cost may be the smarter approach, allowing the team to allocate resources to other roster needs.
Luzardo has already made a strong impact in his first year with the Phillies, and extending him—whether before, during, or after the season—would benefit both sides. The fact that he isn’t represented by Boras only strengthens the likelihood of a deal getting done before he reaches free agency.
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