MLB Rumors: Speculated Red Sox Target Traded To Contender

Even after the Red Sox dealt for Garrett Crochet, there still was heavy speculation that Boston could trade for another starting pitcher.

But on Sunday morning, one starter who made some sense for the Red Sox fell off the club’s radar.

The Marlins traded talented left-hander Jesús Luzardo to the Phillies, as first reported by FanSided’s Robert Murray. Ahead of the 2024 season, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan highlighted Luzardo as a potential trade target for Boston, which still could use some rotation help even after adding Crochet.

Perhaps a steep price kept the Red Sox away from Luzardo, who is under contract through the 2026 season. Philadelphia reportedly gave up its No. 4 and No. 23 prospects to executive the trade with Miami. Boston, of course, forked over four of its top 14 prospects in the blockbuster swap with the Chicago White Sox.

Luzardo was limited to only 12 starts last season due to a lumbar issue that forced him out of action in late June. The 27-year-old is set to join a Phillies rotation — which already featured the likes of Aaron Nola, Ranger Suárez and Zack Wheeler — that could be among the best in baseball in 2025.

As for the Red Sox, they reportedly remain “in contact” with multiple starters who could make them a better team next season.