Red Sox Could Consider This Arm As Backup For Reported Trade Target

The Red Sox needs a frontline starter, especially a left-hander, and the trade market seems like the most likely way for them to acquire one.

Boston did its due diligence on Corbin Burnes and Max Fried and reportedly is in the running to sign at least one of those pitchers. The Red Sox did not sign Juan Soto, but they still have the ability to sign multiple players to address key needs.

Garrett Crochet is a popular trade target that Boston’s been linked to since the start of free agency. It could take a decent haul to acquire the southpaw, and the Chicago White Sox also will have other top suitors.

That’s why it was intriguing to hear that the Marlins also lurked around the trade market. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi reported Monday that Jesús Luzardo was “drawing trade interest at the winter meetings.” The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon added that Miami was open to trading the left-hander.

One reason why Luzardo might not have attracted as much interest as Crochet is because Luazardo hasn’t pitched since June 16 due to a lumbar stress reaction. However, the 27-year-old has two years of team control just like Crochet.

It certainly doesn’t have to be one or the other. But if Chicago’s asking price is too high for Boston, Luzardo would be a solid backup plan. He hasn’t put up gaudy numbers in his career, but he pitched 178 2/3 innings in 2023 and recorded 208 strikeouts. His ability to generate swings and misses — a trait Craig Breslow and company desire — is decent, so he’d be a solid fit with the Red Sox.

The injury concerns are valid and are why The Athletic envisions Luzardo more as a trade deadline target. But the rebuilding Marlins are desperate for talent like the White Sox are and an intriguing deal in the offseason could entice them to move Luzardo.

That’s not to say Crochet still isn’t someone worth going after, but Luzardo also deserves to be on the radar.