After an unsuccessful attempt to make changes to their lineup, the Phillies are doubling down on their rotation. They have acquired left guard Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins, major league sources said The athlete. With Luzardo, the Phillies could form one of the best – if not the best – rotation in baseball next season.

Luzardo will finish fifth in the first rotation behind Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez and Ranger Suárez. The Phillies expect their top prospect, Andrew Painter, to contribute to the big league team later this summer. It is a deep unity.

As part of the return, Miami will welcome Starlyn Caba, a 19-year-old shortstop who is considered one of the better prospects in the Phillies organization. Emaarion Boyd, a speedy A-ball outfielder, is also part of the package.

In addition to Luzardo, the Phillies will receive Paul McIntosh, a 27-year-old minor league catcher, from the Marlins, according to league sources.

Luzardo, 27, has a career 4.29 ERA. His best season came in 2023, when he posted a 3.58 ERA and 208 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings for Miami. But he comes to the Phillies with some red flags; Luzardo made just 12 starts in 2024. He didn’t throw a pitch after June 13th. He was sidelined due to strain in his left elbow and then suffered a lumbar spine stress reaction that ended his season.

The Marlins acquired Luzardo during their fire sale last summer, but teams were reluctant given his uncertain health. He has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason.

“I was able to go through my normal offseason progression — throwing, running, starting to get off the mound,” Luzardo told MLB.com last week. “I feel really good (with my) elbow, my back and my whole body, I’m really getting ready for spring training and looking forward to opening day being 100 percent, which feels really good right now and “We’re full.” -go.”

Luzardo still has control of the club for two years. According to MLB Trade Rumors, he is expected to make about $6 million in 2025 through salary arbitration. He will help the Phillies build a formidable rotation in 2025 and then offset the potential loss of Suárez in 2026, who is a free agent after next season.

With Luzardo on the team, the Phillies could trade their rotation surplus this winter by trading Suárez for a hitter, but there are signs they will focus on run prevention. Last week they signed Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million contract to play left field. Whether he rebounds at the plate remains to be seen, but the Phillies expect Kepler to provide above-average defense.

The Phillies will exceed the highest luxury tax threshold of $301 million and have the second-highest payroll in Major League Baseball. Luzardo should therefore be the culmination of a moderate off-season.

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