The Reds have been linked to several starters this offseason, most notably Garrett Crochet, despite Terry Francona allegedly not caring about Cincinnati’s rotation depth. The Cincinnati Reds may soon be eliminated from consideration because to the Chicago White Sox star’s active market. But as one trade target door closes, another one opens, and Cincy might be a perfect fit for the newest name on the trade block.
Miami Marlins lefty was traded during this week’s MLB Winter Meetings, according to MLB source Jon Morosi. After making his debut with Miami, Luzardo established himself as Sandy Alcántara’s dependable number two starter. Luzardo posted a 3.48 ERA in 2022–2023 because of his excellent fastball and reliable control. In 2023, he recorded a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 3.78.
If the Reds miss out on Garrett Crochet, Jesús Luzardo could be the next name on the list
Like crocheting, Luzardo is not without risk. He had a spinal stress response and an elbow ailment that kept him out of action for a large portion of the 2024 season. His overall velocity was reduced by several miles per hour, which led to a higher exit velocity on batted balls and a lower strikeout rate.
Although Luzardo said he was fully recovered in an interview with MLB Network, he has experienced problems with his back, elbow, and rotator cuff over his six years in the major leagues. While still in high school, he had Tommy John surgery in 2016. It’s questionable if the Reds want to risk anything on a player like him.
Luzardo might, nevertheless, be a high-risk, high-reward applicant. He gives the Reds two years of team control if healthy, and he’s a reliable rotation piece in case Nick Martinez needs to step in as a reliever. Given that the Reds have a wealth of trade chips and the Marlins have one of the league’s worst farm systems, the Marlins would also make a suitable trading partner.
The preferred pickup in this case would undoubtedly be Crochet, who is younger and has greater positional versatility, but the Reds may create some buzz by taking a chance on Luzardo.
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