 With the offseason in full swing, the Chicago Cubs are actively seeking to bolster their pitching rotation. Having already added Matthew Boyd to their roster, the Cubs remain interested in acquiring another prominent pitcher, even if not the biggest name on the free agent market. Their rotation currently features Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon as the top three starters. Notable trade and free agent targets like Luis Castillo and Walker Buehler have been linked to the Cubs, and now, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, they have also shown interest in Marlins left-hander Jesus Luzardo.
During the Winter Meetings, reports surfaced that several teams had inquired about Luzardo's availability, potentially exploring a buy-low opportunity. Luzardo has long been seen as a trade candidate, even before the Marlins began their latest rebuilding efforts. Had he been healthier in 2024, it’s likely he would have been traded prior to the last trade deadline. However, Luzardo was limited to just 12 starts and 66 2/3 innings in 2024 due to elbow and back issues, including a stress reaction in his lower back. Injuries have been a persistent theme throughout Luzardo's six-season Major League career with the Athletics and Marlins. He has pitched a total of 512 innings over those six seasons, with 178 2/3 innings coming in 2023. Luzardo’s career 4.29 ERA reflects both his potential and his inconsistency, with significant struggles in 2021 and 2024 overshadowing his otherwise solid performances. For the Cubs, acquiring Luzardo would be a gamble on his potential and ability to stay healthy. His left-handed pitching could provide valuable depth and versatility to the Cubs' rotation. If Luzardo can overcome his injury woes and return to his peak form, he could be a key asset for the team. The Cubs' interest in Luzardo is part of their broader strategy to strengthen their roster and improve their chances for the upcoming season. As the Cubs continue to explore their options in the trade and free agent markets, their pursuit of Jesus Luzardo highlights their commitment to building a competitive rotation. Fans will be eager to see if the Cubs can secure another impactful arm to complement their existing pitching staff.
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