3 Phillies Likely to Depart in 2025 After Jesús Luzardo Trade
The Philadelphia Phillies made waves this offseason by trading for Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins. The addition of the 27-year-old left-hander solidifies their starting rotation alongside Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola, but it also creates ripple effects that could lead to roster changes. Here are three players whose future with the Phillies might be in jeopardy following the Luzardo acquisition.
1. Taijuan Walker
Veteran right-hander Taijuan Walker is a top candidate to leave the Phillies after a disappointing 2024 season. Signed to a four-year, $72 million contract during the 2022-23 offseason, Walker initially showed promise by leading the team with 15 wins in his first year. However, injuries derailed his 2024 campaign, where he posted a 3-7 record with a dreadful 7.10 ERA and 1.72 WHIP across 19 games (15 starts).
Walker’s struggles led to a late-season demotion to the bullpen, but his performance did not improve. With Luzardo now filling his spot in the rotation, Walker’s role for 2025 is uncertain, making him a likely trade candidate as the Phillies aim to offload his hefty contract.
2. Alec Bohm
Third baseman Alec Bohm has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason, and the Luzardo deal may increase the likelihood of his departure. Bohm had a solid 2024 regular season, batting .280 with 15 home runs and 97 RBIs. However, his struggles in the postseason—managing only one hit in 13 at-bats during the Phillies’ early playoff exit—highlight his inconsistency in critical moments.
At 28, Bohm is entering his prime and remains a valuable trade asset. If the Phillies aim to acquire another marquee player to bolster their roster, Bohm could be the key piece in a deal for a proven star like Nolan Arenado or Alex Bregman. Despite public claims that Bohm is not on the trade block, insider reports suggest otherwise, making him a candidate for a major offseason move.
3. Ranger Suárez
Long-time Phillie Ranger Suárez may also be on his way out following the Luzardo trade. Suárez transitioned to a starting role in 2022 and has been a reliable presence in the rotation. In 2024, he recorded a 12-8 record with a 3.46 ERA and 145 strikeouts over 27 starts. However, durability issues in the second half of the season raised concerns about his long-term effectiveness.
The Phillies’ decision to extend Cristopher Sánchez while not committing to Suárez signals a potential shift in priorities. Additionally, Suárez’s recent switch to agent Scott Boras, known for securing lucrative contracts, makes an extension unlikely before he hits free agency in 2025. With Luzardo poised to fill a similar role in the rotation, the Phillies could look to trade Suárez while his value remains high, using him to acquire assets for future contention.
The Luzardo trade has set the stage for significant roster adjustments. While Taijuan Walker, Alec Bohm, and Ranger Suárez have all contributed to the Phillies in varying capacities, the team may need to part ways with them to optimize their roster and extend their competitive window.
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