Phillies $135 Million Star Offers 2-Word Response On ‘Traitor’ Accusations

Though Philadelphia Phillies fans had been calling for some new star talent after another disappointment in the playoffs last year, the team’s offseason might be more notable for a player it lost rather than those it signed.

While the Phillies did acquire reliever Brad Keller and outfielder Adolis Garcia, among others, the most notable change might be the loss of long-time starter Ranger Suarez, who accepted a new contract from the Boston Red Sox. The absence of the southpaw could be the biggest difference that fans notice about the roster next year.

Philadelphia Phillies’ Jesus Luzardo Criticized After $135 Million Commitment

Rather than replace Suarez with a new arm, the Phillies have extended their commitment to a returning one.

“The Philadelphia Phillies locked in Jesus Luzardo a year before he was due to reach free agency by agreeing with the left-hander on a five-year contract extension,” Jeff Passan reported for ESPN. “The deal is worth $135 million … and runs through the 2031 season, with a club option for 2032.”

After joining the Phillies via trade last year, Luzardo endured an up-and-down season but ultimately showed a lot of promise. The 28-year-old logged a 3.92 ERA across 32 total starts and promises to be a key member of the rotation for years to come if he can keep that up.

But shortly following the news of his contract extension, Luzardo became the subject of some negativity on social media.

Luzardo, who was born in Peru and raised in Miami, has family from Venezuela and that country’s World Baseball Classic team invited him to pitch in the tournament. As Team Venezuela approached its championship matchup with Team USA, news surfaced that Luzardo had declined an invitation to pitch in the final rounds following his new contract agreement.

He expressed his regret in not being able to represent Team Venezuela, but that didn’t stop some fans from hurling hurtful accusations his way.

“I feel like sometimes, you get painted as a traitor, or, you know, you get painted in this, like, negative light, because of some things that people say — you know, not only me, but my family,” Luzardo told The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes. “And I think that that’s tough. People from Venezuela are, like, ‘Why aren’t you helping us out?’”

Philadelphia Phillies Starter Jesus Luzardo Clears Air About World Baseball Classic

Luzardo gave some hope to Team Venezuela fans when he seemed to commit to pitching in the tournament earlier this month. But after declining the invitation and then facing accusations that he had betrayed the country, the pitcher wanted to set the record straight.

“When I spoke to Venezuela about being on the reserves, I said, ‘No promises,’” Luzardo told Hayes. “They said, ‘We’ll understand if you’re not able to come.’ … It was for multiple reasons, it wasn’t able to come to fruition. Not only the contract situation, but other situations here that, you know — my obligations to this team. They want me to be ready to go.”

Despite his confidence that he was clear with Team Venezuela about his ability to commit and that he had good reason to decline the invitation, Luzardo offered a two-word response on the accusations when Hayes asked him if he was sure he was getting negative feedback from fans.

“It’s there,” Luzardo said. “I know.”

Phillies $135 Million Star Offers 2-Word Response On ‘Traitor’ Accusations

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