Two months into the MLB season, as rumors heat up, one name has emerged as the player “most likely” to change uniforms.
During an appearance on “Foul Territory” on Wednesday, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said it’s almost certain that Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo will be traded between now and July 30.
“I think Luzardo is the guy most likely to get traded,” Rosenthal said, “and the Marlins will continue to do that.” [Luis Arraez]”As long as Luzardo is healthy, they’re going to trade him. He had a little physical attack before, but he’s not around anymore.”
This comes just weeks after Washington Post reporter Jon Heyman reported that Luzardo is one of the hottest prospects in all of football.
After making the playoffs last season, the Marlins embarked on a larger sale in early May, trading two-time leadoff hitter Araez for relief pitcher Ko Woo-seok and three prospects.
Heading into Thursday’s game, Miami was 20-37, the worst record in the National League.
Under team control through the 2026 season, Luzardo would be an instant upgrade for just about every starting rotation in baseball.
The 26-year-old left-hander is 2-4 with a 4.18 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 51 2/3 innings across nine starts this season.
Luzardo had the best season of his young career in 2023, posting a 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts in just 178⅔ innings.
Rosenthal also named Mets first baseman Pete Alonso as a player to watch as the deadline approaches.
Alonso, a soon-to-be free agent, and his future in Queens have been one of the Mets’ biggest talking points this season.
“[The Mets] “He’s a free agent at the end of the season. If they fall out of the championship race, [and] If he’s a Scott Boras client and can’t sign because he’s unlikely to sign an extension, they need to listen… He’s probably the best slugger available.”
