The Miami Marlins have recently traded left-handed starting pitcher Jesús Luzardo to the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for two minor league players: shortstop Starlyn Caba and outfielder Emaarion Boyd. Additionally, minor league catcher Paul McIntosh has also been included in the trade package, as reported by various sources including Matt Gelb of Moneyline and Mark Feinsand of MLB.com.

In the 2024 season, the 27-year-old Luzardo recorded a 3-6 record alongside a 5.00 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP over 12 starts. His season was significantly hampered due to an injury, as he was placed on the injured list on June 22 due to a lumbar stress reaction and did not return to the field. Luzardo has displayed moments of brilliance throughout his career, but his trajectory has been marred by injuries, which include a strained left rotator cuff in 2019, a fractured pinky finger in 2021, and a left forearm strain in 2022. Notably, he has only exceeded 18 starts in a season once, achieving a 10-10 record with a 3.63 ERA and an impressive 208 strikeouts in 2023—a performance that has kept him on various teams' radars.

Interest in Luzardo became prominent earlier in the year, as Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports and The Athletic highlighted him as a player likely to be traded. Following the Marlins' earlier trade of Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres, the team appeared to continue its rebuilding efforts. Despite being sidelined after June 16 of last season, trade speculation around Luzardo persisted into the offseason, with sources indicating that he was drawing attention at the winter meetings. Given his projected $6 million arbitration salary, Luzardo ranks as the second-highest paid player on the Marlins' roster, trailing only Sandy Alcantara, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery. The move to acquire Luzardo represents a strategic decision for the Phillies, who already have a seasoned rotation featuring Cy Young runner-up Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola.

The Miami Marlins’ ongoing rebuilding strategy is highlighted by their decision to trade impactful players like Luzardo, signaling a commitment to long-term team development.