Best Available MLB Players on 2024 Trade Block: Jesus Luzardo
As MLB trade rumors begin to circle, it’s a great time to look at the best available players on the 2024 MLB trade block. The Marlins are already in sell mode after trading Luis Arraez, and now starter Jesus Luzardo is likely on the move next.
The Numbers
Stats as of 6/3/24: 2-4, 4.18 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, 50 SO, 51.2 IP
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic said, “Luzardo to me is the single-most likely player to be traded.” The 26-year-old has always had high expectations since he was a top prospect in the A’s system. Since joining the Marlins, Luzardo has been pitching well. He’s 20-26 with a 4.01 ERA and 436 strikeouts in 71 games with the Marlins.
He collected a career-high 208 strikeouts last year in 178 innings, also a career-high. Luzardo had a brief IL stint earlier in the year, but he’s still been arguably the best player for the Marlins right now. He currently carries a 24 percent strikeout rate and a 7.7 percent walk rate. Luzardo has relied more on getting outs via contact this year, with a career-high 35.9 percent flyball rate. He’s also produced a great 3.65 FIP this season.
Luzardo won’t be a free agent until after the 2026 season. When it comes to pitchers at the trade deadline, it’s all about control. Corbin Burnes is arguably better than Dylan Cease, but Cease got the White Sox a bigger package due to his team control.
It took a Top 100 prospect, two close to the Top 100, and a controllable MLB reliever to acquire Cease. The same type of package will most likely be required for Luzardo, and only a few teams are capable of such a package.
Potential Destinations
I mentioned in my Buyers or Sellers series that the Orioles would make a lot of sense for Luzardo. The O’s need pitching after two of their starters went down to injury. They also have a deep farm system that’s capable of acquiring Luzardo.
For a team that already has a young core, plugging in Luzardo would be a great fit for the Orioles. No. 6 Orioles prospect Connor Norby, who was recently called up, could be a centerpiece in a trade package.
The Giants and Padres could both look to Luzardo after dealing with injuries to their rotation. A.J. Preller has always been known for going after big splashes at the deadline, and the Padres surprisingly have a farm system capable of making a big move.
With Spencer Strider out for the year, the Braves would love to plug in another high-end starter. Their farm system isn’t what it used to be, but the Braves still have quality prospects and young talent to get the job done. Although this one might be less likely because of both teams being in the same division, don’t doubt GM Alex Anthopoulos.
The Verdict
I like the idea of the Orioles grabbing Luzardo. It just makes too much sense. The Orioles are in a competitive division, have many players locked up, and have a deep farm system. Although the Orioles will be picky with who they move around, a young, controllable starter such as Luzardo is a perfect fit.
They’re a team that can afford to trade one or more of their Top 30 prospects. Plugging in Luzardo behind Burnes would be huge for the O’s playoff push this year.
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