MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Top Landing Spots for Jesus Luzardo

 

His name has been on the rumor mill since last season ended. Now, with the Miami Marlins' season a disaster already at 6-17 and with oodles of injuries to their pitching staff, they might very well consider finally pulling the trigger this season on a trade for their most in-demand arm, Jesus Luzardo.

The 26-year-old is off to a rough start to 2024 with a 6.58 ERA through five starts, but all that should really mean is the price might have come down a tad for interested parties. Luzardo put up back-to-back impressive seasons for the Fish in 2022 and 2023, with ERAs in the mid 3.00s, and compiling over 10.5 strikeouts per nine innings. And the fact that he still has two more years of team control boosts his trade value. 

Which teams would be likely landing spots for the left-hander?

Houston Astros

The Astros are having an uncharacteristically brutal start to the season on the mound, with a 5.10 ERA that puts them second-last in the entire MLB. They're surrendering a .266 batting average which is 28th in the majors. They will also be losing Justin Verlander to free agency at season's end. The Astros could use some fresh talent to reinvigorate their starting staff. 

Minnesota Twins

A team with expectations of competing for the AL Central crown, they are certainly not pitching like it at the moment. The Twins' starting rotation has an ERA of 5.38 which puts them 28th in the majors. 

Arizona Diamondbacks

The D-Backs are hoping to repeat their surprise World Series appearance from last season, and went out and made a big free agent signing this offseason in Eduardo Rodriguez. The left-hander, however, has not been able to pitch yet this year, and is now on the 60-day IL with a shoulder issue. He won't be back until sometime in June, and the Snakes can't afford to lose too much ground in a tightly-contested NL West in the meantime. Nabbing the southpaw Luzardo would be a real coup for the young Arizona team. 

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