The Philadelphia Phillies’ decision to extend Jesús Luzardo for five years and $135 million ensures stability in their starting rotation — but it may also force difficult roster decisions in the coming seasons.
Luzardo’s new deal, which runs from 2027 through 2031 at $27 million per year, adds another major financial commitment to a roster already filled with long-term contracts.
With payroll tightening and several players approaching free agency or arbitration increases, the Phillies may soon have to decide which pieces of their current roster fit into their long-term plans.
Three players in particular could find their futures away from Philadelphia.
Bryson Stott
Second baseman Bryson Stott has shown flashes of offensive potential, but his production has declined since his breakout season in 2023.
After adjusting his swing midway through last season, Stott began to show improvement again. Still, the Phillies may hesitate to invest heavily in a player whose offensive consistency remains uncertain.
Stott is currently earning $5.9 million in his second year of arbitration and is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2027 season.
By that time, Philadelphia could have a replacement ready.
Top prospect Aroon Escobar is rising quickly through the Phillies’ farm system and could potentially take over at second base by the time Stott reaches free agency. If Escobar continues developing, the team may opt to let Stott walk rather than commit to a long-term deal.
Brandon Marsh
Outfielder Brandon Marsh has been a useful contributor since arriving from the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, but he has yet to establish himself as a consistent everyday player.
Heading into 2026, Marsh is expected to begin the season in a platoon role in left field with Otto Kemp.
Philadelphia’s outfield pipeline is also becoming increasingly crowded with young talent.
Prospects such as Justin Crawford, Gabriel Rincones Jr., and Dante Nori are all pushing toward the major leagues, giving the Phillies several potential long-term options in the outfield.
Marsh is also set to reach free agency after the 2027 season, and given the influx of younger players, the Phillies may decide not to extend him beyond his current deal.
Alec Bohm
Third baseman Alec Bohm may have the most uncertain future of the three.
Even before the Luzardo extension, Bohm’s long-term status in Philadelphia was already in question. Now, it appears even less likely that he will remain with the team beyond this season.
Bohm is entering the final year of arbitration and will earn $10.2 million in 2026.
Just two seasons ago, he started for the National League All-Star team in 2024, but his production declined significantly last year. His doubles dropped from 44 to 18, and his RBIs fell from 97 to 57.
Injuries also limited him to 120 games, further raising concerns about his consistency.
At the same time, the Phillies have an elite prospect waiting in the wings.
Top prospect Aidan Miller — currently a shortstop — could eventually shift to third base, especially with Trea Turner locked in at shortstop for the foreseeable future. Miller could even make his major league debut as early as mid-2026.
With Miller’s arrival looming and Luzardo’s extension increasing payroll commitments, Bohm’s time in Philadelphia may be nearing its end.
Tough decisions ahead for the Phillies
The Luzardo extension strengthens Philadelphia’s rotation for years to come, but it also highlights the financial realities of building a contender.
As young prospects push for roster spots and payroll commitments grow, the Phillies may soon face difficult choices about which players remain part of the franchise’s long-term core.
For Bryson Stott, Brandon Marsh, and Alec Bohm, the coming seasons could determine whether their futures remain in Philadelphia — or somewhere else entirely.
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