The Red Sox's search for a top starting pitcher wasn't much of a search. They signed Lucas Giolito from the Nationals in January to a deal that could have lasted up to three years, but he's already out for the 2024 season with elbow surgery. Giolito was not much of a top pitcher to begin with, and now the Red Sox don't have a real No. 1 starter at all.
What to do? Well, there's a chance that an old winter rumor could be brought back to life. Three months ago, the Red Sox were often mentioned in connection with Marlins lefty Jesus Luzardo, who is 26 years old and still two years away from becoming a free agent.
Julian McWilliams, who writes for the Boston Globe, says that despite the Red Sox being not so good lately, Luzardo is interested in playing for them. MLB career playing for tough markets in Oakland and Miami, so playing for a popular team like the Red Sox would definitely interest him if the Red Sox consider trading for him.
Jesus Luzardo is interested in joining the Red Sox.
McWilliams mentioned the Red Sox's need for an ace on the “Play Tessie” podcast last week. The most mentioned and easiest solution would be signing Rangers free-agent Jordan Montgomery.
Montgomery helped the Rangers win a World Series title, and he is waiting for a long-term contract, especially if he is going to a team that's not a top contender. However, Luzardo can help right away and has more potential than the 31-year-old Montgomery.
McWilliams said, “I think he is a better pitcher, in terms of stuff-wise, than Jordan Montgomery is. I covered Jesus when he was in Oakland, and he would be interested in playing for the Red Sox. I talked to him the last time when he was here, and he was like, ‘Dude, I’ve never pitched in a place like this. It was an amazing experience, the mound is just different.’
Luzardo might be interested in being traded here, but we don't know what the Red Sox are thinking.”
Focusing on handling more innings.
Before the Red Sox could get Luzardo to Boston, a few things would have to happen. The Marlins would need to make him available for trade, as they never came close to a deal involving Luzardo during the winter. The Red Sox would also need to see the value in short-term improvement while giving up some long-term assets.
Since becoming a regular starter for the Marlins in 2022, he has a 14-17 record with a 3.52 ERA in 50 starts, and he was seventh in the National League with 208 strikeouts in 2023.
Luzardo still needs to get better at being a top starter who can handle a lot of innings, but he showed those traits last year and says he is making progress this Spring—even if his recent game against the Astros was tough.
Luzardo said after that game, “The most important thing is getting through the innings we need to get through, attacking and getting ahead.” according to the Miami Herald. “I thought I threw strikes today, but it was mostly to return to even counts instead of getting ahead of the count.”
