Phillies

Phillies Mailbag: Jesus Luzardo Extension, Starting Pitching Depth, Bullpen Predictions

By Luke Arcaini

Published: Feb 12th, 2026 · 8:00 AM EST

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Phillies pitchers and catchers have reported to Clearwater and we’re under way. The bat hitting the ball, the pop of the mitts, the cleats on the sidewalk. We are back.

I figured we could start the “season” with a mailbag. There are still some questions that need to be answered about the offseason, some moves potentially to be made, and some storylines to watch heading into spring training. Let’s jump into some of your questions.

“Who do you think the 8 bullpen arms will be? Dombrowski said they got 6/8 that they’re confident with. Who do you think those 6 are, and if you had to say, who are the other 2 you’d choose?” – @_morgan_bruce via X

The bullpen is pretty set, especially at the top. I’ve talked about it all offseason, but I really like the approach that the Phillies took. They found interesting young guys that are under control for multiple years, rather than throwing 1-year darts at washed-up veterans.

My Opening Day bullpen prediction:

1. Jhoan Duran
2. Brad Keller
3. Jose Alvarado
4. Orion Kerkering
5. Tanner Banks
6. Jonathan Bowlan
7. Zach McCambley
8. Zach Pop

I think the last two spots go to the Zachs. The other option that would make the most sense would be Kyle Backhus, but I think Backhus will start in AAA due to still having options remaining.

“I have so many questions, but I’ll ask this one. How important do you think it is that the Phillies find some starting pitching depth? Who do you think would be a good fit for the club?” – @Flyers2601 via X

Extremely important. Dave Dombrowski confirmed to the media on Monday that the Phillies are still in the market for starting pitching depth. Chris Bassitt would have been a good veteran fit, but ended up with the Orioles for $18.5 million. Jose Quintana would be an interesting one, because the Phillies wouldn’t have to get shut down by him anymore.

They could go for a younger, cheaper option, and that’s where I’d assume they’ll go, especially if Zack Wheeler’s timeline remains on track, which is sooner rather than later.

“Is Bryce (Harper) motivated enough to get back to MV3 form? Or will injuries and age prevent that?” – @SomeAngelPHL via X

I think Bryce Harper is as motivated as ever. Rob Thomson said this is the earliest Harper has ever begun hitting prior to a season. We all know Harper didn’t like those “not elite” comments from Dave Dombrowski, and he shouldn’t have. Harper is pissed off about his 2025 season. I think he desperately wants to get back to MVP form, and I think he’ll do it in 2026.

“Does Phillies management really think fans are going to be cool with (Orion) Kerkering?” – @tapintomacdfs via X

I don’t think they know that answer, but I think they hope fans will be (obviously). They weren’t going to trade Kerkering because he crumbled on the biggest stage after the offense let the team down all night in Game 4. Kerkering, now dealing with a Grade 1 hamstring strain, is a little behind everybody else, which could mean he doesn’t start the year on the 26-man roster. Maybe sneaking in a couple of weeks later is good before him? Who knows. But Kerkering has worked hard this offseason. He’s reportedly in the best shape of his major league career. Although he’ll never forget the moment, he has to move on, and the fanbase should too.

“What do you think the likelihood is of us extending Luzardo?” – @gabegarner15

I was hoping somebody would ask this question, because I think it should be near the top, if not at the top, of the Phillies’ list before March 26th. The Phillies need to try to extend Luzardo before this season. If he has a season as he did in 2025, he’s going to make a lot of money in free agency after the 2026 season. If the Phillies have that chance, they need to jump on it.

It’s hard to put a percentage on extensions because you don’t know what the player wants at this time. But Luzardo has dealt with injuries and was playing for bad organizations his whole career, until he got to Philadelphia. I’d be shocked if Luzardo didn’t want to make Philadelphia his home for more than two years.