The Cubs had extensive discussions with the Miami Marlins about trading for Jesús Luzardo before that deal fell apart, indicating their interest in bolstering their pitching staff.

Luzardo is a left-handed starter who the Cubs are reportedly close to trading for. However, his injury history raises concerns about his reliability on the mound, making him a more uncertain option compared to other potential targets like Manaea.

Jesus Lúzardo has been linked to the Cubs as a potential target following the trade of Cody Bellinger. Projected to earn around $6 million through arbitration, Lúzardo represents a strategic opportunity for the Cubs to bolster their pitching staff after freeing up significant payroll space.

Jesus Luzardo is coming off a disappointing 2024 season marked by injuries, specifically a lumbar stress reaction that sidelined him after June 19. He recorded a 5.00 ERA with 58 strikeouts over 66.2 innings in 12 starts. Despite his struggles, Luzardo's lower salary—estimated at $8.6 million in arbitration—makes him an attractive option for teams like the Cubs, potentially impacting Seattle's trade discussions involving Luis Castillo.

Luzardo, a 27-year-old left-handed pitcher, had a challenging 2024 season with a 5.00 ERA and missed significant time due to injuries. However, his performance from 2022 to 2023 was much stronger, showcasing a 3.48 ERA and impressive strikeout rates. With two years of club control remaining, he is viewed as expendable by the Marlins, especially with the return of Sandy Alcántara and the emergence of other young pitchers.