Jesus Luzardo Joins Phillies, Aiming for Comeback in 2025 Season

PHILADELPHIA, PA — Jesus Luzardo, the newly acquired left-handed pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, aims to make a significant impact as he embarks on the 2025 season. The 28-year-old veteran, who was traded to the Phillies from the Miami Marlins this offseason, is poised for a potential comeback after a challenging 2024 season.

In his six years in Major League Baseball, Luzardo has faced ups and downs, but he is eager to capitalize on his time in Philadelphia, a contending team well-known for its competitive spirit. In the 2023 season with Miami, he showcased his talent by achieving a 3.58 ERA and a 4.0 bWAR across 32 starts, the only season where he pitched more than 30 games in his career.

However, a mid-June lumbar stress reaction limited him to just 12 appearances in 2024, leading to a 5.00 ERA over 66.2 innings. The disappointing performance has led analysts to consider Luzardo a viable candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award if he can replicate his previous success.

“The change of scenery could do him wonders,” Luzardo stated, reflecting on his transition from a Marlins team that lost 100 games last year to joining a contending squad in Philadelphia. “I’m excited to be here and ready to contribute.”

Luzardo is expected to fill a key spot in the Phillies’ rotation, which features established pitchers like Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, alleviating some pressure as he works to regain his form.

While superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. is also a contender for the Comeback award, Luzardo’s performance will be critical for the Phillies. If he can maintain the level of pitching he achieved in 2023, he would become the first Phillie to win the award since Brad Lidge in 2008.

In the meantime, another storyline for the Phillies is the future of Taijuan Walker, who finished the 2024 season with a disappointing record of 3-7 and a 7.10 ERA after signing a four-year, $72 million contract. As Walker faces pressure to prove his value heading into his final two contracted years, the Phillies must carefully assess his role moving forward.

The 2025 season holds significant promise for both Luzardo and Walker as they aim to solidify their places within the rotation and contribute to the Phillies’ aspirations for a successful season.