"Luzardo landed a five-year, $135MM deal just months before he would have reached free agency. The 28-year-old signed on the heels of a season where he posted a 3.92 ERA in 32 starts with outstanding peripherals (2.90 FIP, 28.5% strikeout rate). Luzardo's deal serves as a reminder that a lack of rumors surrounding a given player doesn't necessarily signal a lack of negotiation going on behind the scenes."
"Team USA will need to beat Team Italy in this evening's game (scheduled for 8pm local time in Houston) in order to clinch their spot; a loss to Italy tonight in conjunction with Italy losing to Mexico tomorrow would then result in a tiebreaker between the three clubs, who would have identical 3-1 records."
The World Baseball Classic pool play continues with most quarterfinal spots already secured. Japan and Korea advance from Pool C, Venezuela and Dominican Republic from Pool D. Puerto Rico clinched Pool A advancement with a 3-0 record, while Team USA needs a win over Italy to clinch Pool B. Cuba leads Pool A's remaining competition. Separately, the Phillies surprised the baseball world by extending left-hander Jesus Luzardo to a five-year, $135MM deal before free agency. The 28-year-old posted a 3.92 ERA with a 2.90 FIP and 28.5% strikeout rate last season. Luzardo's extension joins recent deals signed by other notable players and managers, demonstrating significant contract negotiations occurring without public rumors.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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