Marlins left-hander Jesús Luzardo is expected to be traded at this year’s trade deadline, drawing interest from two divisional rivals. Luzardo has heard his name bounced around the rumor mill as a possible trade candidate for the past year. Yet, the 26-year-old left-hander takes the mound in a Marlins uniform every fifth day. The Marlins are sitting at the bottom of the National League East after last year’s postseason appearance. As a result, Luzardo is expected to be moved ahead of this year’s trade deadline.
Divisional Rivals Vying For Marlins Left-Hander
According to reports, three teams that rival executives believe are fits for the left-hander are the New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, and Milwaukee Brewers.
Coming off two back-to-back strong seasons for Miami, Jesús Luzardo has had a dismal start to his 2024 campaign. Luzardo has pitched to a 5.30 ERA across 56 innings, striking batters out less often than usual. He has also allowed far more fly balls than he has over the past two years. However, he does have a more promising 3.87 FIP.
Still, the 26-year-old left-hander has the ceiling of an ace and happens to be signed through 2026. Luzardo would net the Marlins a big package if they were to trade him.
AL East Rivals “Possible Fits” for Jesús Luzardo
The two AL East rivals stand out among the teams that rival executives believe are a good fit for Luzardo. Entering play on Saturday, New York (45-20) sits 3.5 games ahead of Baltimore (40-22) in the division.
New York Yankees
The Yankees’ rotation has been dominant through the season’s first two months despite being without ace Gerrit Cole. Their 2.76 ERA leads the American League and is the second-best starting ERA in the majors. However, right-hander Clarke Schmidt is expected to miss 4 to 6 weeks after being placed on the injured list with a lat strain.
Until now, the Yankees’ rotation has remained relatively healthy in the absence of their injured ace with Nestor Cortés, Marcus Stroman, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil and Schmidt having taken all but one start. While Gerrit Cole could return as soon as next month, injuries have been problematic for the Yankees in recent years. A move for Luzardo would give New York an extra layer of pitching depth going into the postseason.
Trade Proposal: Yankees receive LHP Jesús Luzardo, Marlins receive SS Roderick Arias (MLB No. 82, Yankees No. 3), OF Everson Pereira (Yankees No. 6)
Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore has already pulled off one blockbuster trade, acquiring Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers in February. The Orioles had been previously linked to Luzardo in the offseason, but Baltimore felt the Marlins were asking too much. Times have changed for the reigning AL East champions. Baltimore is currently down two starters, Dean Kremer (triceps) and John Means, who underwent his second Tommy John surgery. While Kremer is expected to return this season, Means will be sidelined for at least the next 14-18 months.
The Orioles have seen great production from Cole Irvin and Albert Suárez, who took over for the two injured starters. Kyle Bradish has picked up where he left off last season since he returned from a UCL sprain in May. Injuries aside, the Orioles rotation has the second-best ERA in the American League at 3.17.
Adding another top-tier arm like Luzardo would bolster the Orioles quest to bring the World Series back to Baltimore. But with his extra year of control, Luzardo could serve as a replacement if Burnes leaves in free agency.
Trade Proposal: Orioles receive LHP Jesús Luzardo, Marlins receive 3B/1B Coby Mayo (MLB No. 29, Orioles No. 3), OF Heston Kjerstad (MLB No. 31, Orioles No. 4)
Sources Call Jesús Luzardo This Year’s “Most Likely” Trade Candidate
While Jesús Luzardo is having a down year, insiders across the league are still very high on Miami’s young left-hander.
A change of scenery and a chance to play on a contending team could help Luzardo turn his season around. If Luzardo can increase his strikeout percentage and consistently keep the ball on the ground, he will be all right.
Although his struggles might lead Miami to settle for less than anticipated, the Marlins will still receive a quality return for Luzardo.
Main Photo Credits: David Frerker-USA TODAY Sports
