Cubs among teams showing interest in trade candidate Jesús Luzardo

[Ely Sussman]

The Chicago Cubs are the first team so far this MLB offseason to be credibly linked to Miami Marlins left-hander Jesús Luzardo. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reported Friday that they're "showing interest" in trading for Luzardo while separately shopping for a third baseman.

The Cubs have four of their starting rotation spots already accounted for with Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd (three of whom are also lefties). They just dealt 2024 first-round draft pick Cam Smith to the Houston Astros in the Kyle Tucker blockbuster, but still have sufficient farm system depth to make a competitive offer for Luzardo.

Luzardo pitched one of the best games of his major league career when visiting Wrigley Field on August 7, 2022 (7.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 6 K).

The Marlins and Cubs linked up on a couple tiny transactions earlier this year, with the Fish acquiring Ali Sánchez for cash considerations and claiming Jesús Tinoco off waivers. However, it's been nearly a full decade since they were partners on a substantial trade (Dan Haren for Ivan Piñeyro and Elliot Soto in 2015).

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[rurrusuno]

I guess Luzardo will be traded even sooner than I anticipated. They have to be seeking at least a couple of bats for him. 

[Ely Sussman]

2 hours ago, rurrusuno said:

I guess Luzardo will be traded even sooner than I anticipated. They have to be seeking at least a couple of bats for him. 

Cubs have some good young bats to offer. Other teams will make offers too, but this might be the best fit when all is said and done.