As Philadelphia Phillies fans were easing into the holidays last year at this time, the team's front office was working as hard as Santa's elves on a North Pole workshop deadline. On Dec. 22, 2024, Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski announced the trade with the Miami Marlins that brought left-hander Jesús Luzardo to Philadelphia.
Even before Luzardo had thrown a pitch in red pinstripes, it looked like a steal of a deal for the Phillies. The at-the-time 27-year-old came over from the Marlins with catcher Paul McIntosh. The Phillies sent No. 4 prospect Starlyn Caba and No.