Naturally, the Red Sox didn’t really look for an elite starting pitcher this offseason. After signing Lucas Giolito from the Nationals in January to a three-year contract filled with incentives, the team already announced that he will miss the 2024 season due to elbow surgery. Although Giolito was never much of an ace to begin with, the Red Sox now have no true No. 1 starter.
How should one proceed? Well, a long-forgotten wintertime rumor might still come to life. Three months ago, the Red Sox were often linked to 26-year-old Jesus Luzardo of the Marlins, a lefty who is still two years away from becoming eligible for unrestricted free agency.
And although many players might be hesitant to join a group that seems to be getting worse in Boston, Luzardo is an exception, according to Boston Globe beat reporter Julian McWilliams. If the Red Sox were to put together a trade package for him, he would undoubtedly be interested in playing for a well-attended team like the Red Sox, as he has played his entire MLB career for challenging markets in Oakland and Miami.
Jesus Luzardo Expresses Interest in Joining the Red Sox
The topic of the Red Sox’s lack of an ace was brought up last week when McWilliams was speaking on the “Play Tessie” podcast. Signing Rangers free-agent Jordan Montgomery would be the simple solution and the one that many who follow the organization and baseball most frequently suggest.
However, Montgomery is holding out for a long-term deal, particularly if he is going to a non-contender, after helping the Rangers win a World Series. However, compared to the 31-year-old Montgomery, Luzardo has more potential and can contribute right away.
“In my opinion, his stuff is superior to that of Jordan Montgomery as a pitcher,” McWilliams remarked. That’s a guy who, believe me, would be interested in pitching—I covered Jesus when he was in Oakland. When we spoke the previous time he was here, he said something like, “Dude, this is the first place I’ve ever pitched.” The experience was incredible; the mound is simply unique.
“He might be interested in a deal here, but you never know what the Red Sox are considering.”
Trying to Lift a Higher Innings Load
Naturally, there were a few more pieces that needed to come together before the Red Sox could bring Luzardo to Boston. The Marlins would have to reopen trade talks with him because it doesn’t seem like they were able to work out a deal for Luzardo during the offseason. Additionally, the Red Sox would have to weigh the benefits of making some short-term sacrifices in exchange for some long-term assets.
He has a 14–17 record with a 3.52 ERA in 50 starts since he started to reliably start for the Marlins in 2022. In 2023, he finished seventh in the National League with 208 strikeouts.
Even though he had to fight his way back into the game against the Astros last week, Luzardo feels like he is improving this spring. He still needs to work on becoming an innings-eating No. 1 starter, but he shown those qualities last year.
After that game, Luzardo told the Miami Herald, “It’s all about getting through the innings that we need to get through, attacking, and getting ahead.” “Today, I felt like I threw strikes, but more to catch up to the count than to get ahead of it.”
