Jesús Luzardo had a very clear reason for wanting to sign a long-term contract extension with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Jesús Luzardo didn’t start his big-league career with the Philadelphia Phillies. In fact, it’s the fourth organization he’s been in since being drafted, with the others being the Washington Nationals, Athletics, and Miami Marlins.
While that may seem like just a minor side note in the pitcher’s career so far, it’s actually one of the key reasons why Luzardo decided to sign a five-year extension with the Phillies, and call Philadelphia his home for the next half-decade.
The pitcher wasn’t just looking for a team that he had the potential to win a World Series with, but he was also looking for a place to find some stability for himself and his family.
Luzardo made this incredibly clear on Wednesday, when the Phillies officially announced his long-term deal and held a press conference for the pitcher.
“I'm glad that it worked out this way. I mean, it means a lot to me, my family,” continued Luzardo.
“Being traded a couple times, just bouncing around, kind of the uncertainty of a lot of things throughout my career, just thankful to have a place where hopefully create some stability and, hopefully, create a family and have a place where we can call home that we love and enjoy.”
Jun 11, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn ImagesLuzardo, who recently got married, wasn’t just looking for a team where he could win, but also wanted to be with a city that he felt was best for his family now and in the future.
The 28-year-old mentioned earlier in the offseason just how much he enjoyed living in the City of Brotherly Love. Now, he doubles down on that statement, committing at least the next five years of his life in Philadelphia.
Don’t get it wrong, though. Luzardo still wants to win, and for “these next five, six years, the only thing I expect is to be great every time out.”
If anything, enjoying the city and knowing it’s a place where he can win made the Phillies a perfect team to commit to.
“I like the city of Philadelphia. I liked living out there, and the fans, the stadium,” continued the pitcher. “I think the energy going to the ballpark every day and just the expectation to win, I think that combination of all those things was just the perfect combination for me and a match made in heaven."
“God put me here at the right time, and I’m very thankful for this organization. I love it here,” said Luzardo.
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