Most Philadelphia Phillies fans have been clamoring all offseason for the team to make an impact addition. Despite failing to get over the playoff hump for four straight seasons, the club has eschewed big name free agents, instead spending big to keep many of their veterans in the fold. They stayed true to that course on Monday, locking up electric hurler Jesús Luzardo long-term, and in so doing have probably taken themselves out of the running for next winter’s prized free agent: Tarik Skubal.
Once a heralded prospect in the Nationals and A’s systems, Luzardo found himself traded in exchange for All-Stars on two occasions: first to Oakland for Sean Doolittle and then to Miami for Starling Marte.