Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jesús Luzardo

How Jesús Luzardo built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jesús Luzardo is a Venezuelan-American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Philadelphia Phillies in MLB. He debuted in 2019 and has also played for the Oakland Athletics and Miami Marlins. Born in Peru, Luzardo represented Venezuela in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. He is known for his pitching abilities in professional baseball.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2016: Drafted by Washington Nationals

In 2016, the Washington Nationals selected Jesús Luzardo in the third round of the Major League Baseball draft.

June 28, 2017: Professional Debut

On June 28, 2017, Luzardo made his professional debut with the GCL Nationals against the GCL Marlins, reportedly hitting 98 miles per hour with his fastball.

July 16, 2017: Trade to the Oakland Athletics

On July 16, 2017, the Washington Nationals traded Luzardo, Sheldon Neuse, and Blake Treinen to the Oakland Athletics for Sean Doolittle and Ryan Madson.

2018: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Shooting

In 2018, Luzardo narrowly avoided the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School due to being late for practice. He later organized a fundraiser that collected over $10,000 for the family of Chris Hixon, who was killed in the shooting.

2018: Minor League Season

In 2018, Luzardo played across three levels, including the Stockton Ports, Midland RockHounds, and Nashville Sounds, combining for a 10–5 record with a 2.88 ERA and 129 strikeouts. He was named to the Texas League's mid and post-season All-Star teams and selected for the All-Star Futures Game.

June 11, 2019: Return to the Mound

On June 11, 2019, after recovering from injury, Luzardo returned to the mound with Class A-Advanced Stockton, allowing one run over seven innings spanning two outings with 11 strikeouts before being promoted to the Triple A Las Vegas Aviators.

September 9, 2019: Promotion to Major Leagues

On September 9, 2019, the Athletics selected Luzardo's contract and promoted him to the major leagues.

2019: MLB Debut

In 2019, Jesús Luzardo made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

July 28, 2021: Traded to the Miami Marlins

On July 28, 2021, the Athletics traded Luzardo to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Starling Marte and cash considerations.

2021: 2021 Season with the A's

During the 2021 season, Luzardo began in the A's rotation but had a 5.79 ERA over six starts and then fractured his pinky playing a video game. He was later optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas after struggling to perform out of the bullpen.

2023: World Baseball Classic

In 2023, Luzardo represented the Venezuelan national baseball team in the World Baseball Classic.

2023: 2023 Season Performance

Luzardo's 2023 season saw him make 32 starts for Miami, achieving a 10–10 record, a 3.58 ERA, and 208 strikeouts across 178+2⁄3 innings pitched.

December 22, 2024: Traded to Philadelphia Phillies

On December 22, 2024, the Marlins traded Luzardo and Paul McIntosh to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd.

2025: 'Striking Out Barriers' Initiative

In 2025, Luzardo, through his family foundation, will donate $100 for each strikeout he records to support youth programs in Philadelphia, as part of his 'Striking Out Barriers' initiative, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Philadelphia.