The Chicago Cubs continued their sudden delve into winter business by shoring up the catching position and remain intrigued in dealing for a Miami Marlins starting pitcher.
One day after acquiring outfielder Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros, the Cubs signed veteran catcher Carson Kelly to a 2-year, $11.5 million contract.
Chicago’s winter business figures to be far from complete. Having shipped Isaac Paredes to Houston as part of the package for Tucker, the Cubs are on the market for a third baseman — and the team remains dedicated to trading outfielder Cody Bellinger.
The Northsiders also want to strengthen their starting staff. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Cubs are looking at Miami Marlins hurler Jesus Luzardo to fill the role.
Miami has continued to deal from the team’s one-time strong pitching depth, with the organization once again in rebuilding mode after a disappointing 2024.
Luzardo, a six-year Major League Baseball veteran, played a key role in getting Miami to the 2023 playoffs by logging a 10-10 record, 3.58 ERA, and 208 strikeouts in 32 starts.
However, his fortunes dipped with the Marlins’ hopes last year. An elbow injury and a lack of command that followed hampered his 2024 campaign as his ERA ballooned to 5.00 with a 3-6 record and just 58 strikeouts in 12 games.
While Luzardo’s health represents a risk, so do his flagging numbers. However, a trade for him could probably be pulled off without Chicago having to peel any top prospects from its deep farm system.
Luzardo has put up good numbers against the Cubs, including two games at Wrigley Field. According to Statmuse, Luzardo has a 2.90 ERA and 35 strikeouts in five career starts against Chicago.
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