Phillies lefty predicted to be best No. 3 starter in MLB after $135 million extension

2026-03-13 · Yahoo Sports

Phillies lefty predicted to be best No. 3 starter in MLB after $135 million extension originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Philadelphia Phillies have some incredible starting pitchers at their disposal this upcoming season. While Ranger Suarez is in Boston, the Phillies have a rotation that can go toe-to-toe with the best in the league.

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Cristopher Sanchez is the clear ace, especially while Zack Wheeler recovers from thoracic outlet syndrome. But there's another starter who's a far more interesting one for the Phillies this upcoming season.

And that pitcher, lefty Jesus Luzardo, received a bold prediction from ESPN's Jeff Passan. According to Passan, it wouldn't be a surprise if Luzardo were the best number three starter in Major League Baseball in 2026.

Jesus Luzardo receives bold prediction from ESPN

"It wouldn't surprise me if ... Jesus Luzardo is the best No. 3 starter in baseball," Passan writes. "... At 28, Luzardo's stuff is as good as ever, and if he can avoid issues with his troublesome back, he gives the Phillies the sort of rotation that can go blow-for-blow with the Dodgers' starters."

Luzardo is coming off a massive $135 million contract extension over the next five seasons. It's a big deal for Luzardo, as he is now one of the highest-paid left-handed starters in baseball.

After coming to the Phillies, Luzardo has found his stride once more. While he had a few rough starts last season, he still ended the season with a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts with a 15-7 record and 3.7 bWAR on the year.

His 2.90 FIP highlights how there's more meat on the bone with Luzardo going forward. And after some more time with Phillies pitching coach Caleb Cotham, Luzardo could be in store for another massive season.

More: Jesus Luzardo’s $135 million extension is a steal for Phillies

Being the best number three starter in baseball might not seem that incredible, but considering some teams' third starters, it's a worthwhile accolade.

While not every team's number three starter is known just yet, there are a few to keep in mind.

Ranger Suarez with the Boston Red Sox, Jack Flaherty with the Detroit Tigers, Tyler Glasnow with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and MacKenzie Gore with the Texas Rangers are the top third-starting pitchers for teams this upcoming season.

If Luzardo can finish the year as the best number three starter in Major League Baseball, with Sanchez and Wheeler dominating in front of him, and Aaron Nola and Andrew Painter behind him, the Phillies rotation could have a case as the best in baseball.

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