If Chicago Cubs Contend, Can They Trade For Star Miami Marlins Lefty?

The Chicago Cubs want to get back to the postseason, and if they’re contending in July, it’s possible they could take a swing at this Marlins left-hander.

Sep 23, 2023; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at loanDepot Park. / Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Cubs are off to a solid start, but they’re already fighting pitching injuries in the rotation.

The most notable ones at the moment are staff ace Justin Steele, who is recovering from a Grade 1 hamstring strain, and Jameson Taillon, who is in the middle of a rehab process that could see him return soon.

Shota Imanaga's start is heartening, but the Cubs could use some depth in their rotation, especially if they’re able to work their way into contender status in July, right around the trade deadline.

It’s too early for a big swing, but there is at least one team that is already easing toward seller status — and that team has one asset worth monitoring.

The Miami Marlins lost nine of their first 10 games. Their starting rotation is a mess, thanks to injuries.

Two of their most promising arms, Sandy Alcantara and Eury Pérez, needed Tommy John surgery and are out for the year. Two other starters are on the injured list with shoulder inflammation.

Left-hander Jesús Luzardo is doing his best to hold it down. But if the Marlins go into full tear-down mode, it’s Luzardo that every contender might pursue at the deadline, according to The Athletic.

Chicago was not listed among the contenders in the piece, but the Cubs could play their way into that status as the season progresses.

Luzardo has just three years of service time, which is part of his allure. He will only make $5.5 million this year. He has two arbitration seasons ahead of him and cannot be a free agent until after 2026. That made Dylan Cease attractive to many teams before he was traded to the San Diego Padres.

Luzardo is also coming off his best season in 2023, as he went 10-10 with a 3.58 ERA.

The cost, The Athletic projects, would be four prospects who are mostly hitters. The Cubs have as many Top 100 prospects than any other team in baseball, and many of them are hitters.

If they are in contention, it’s a scenario worth exploring.