In a move to strengthen their starting rotation, the Philadelphia Phillies acquired left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo and minor league catcher Paul McIntosh from the Miami Marlins on Sunday. In exchange, the Phillies sent two prospects—shortstop Starlyn Caba and outfielder Emaarion Boyd—to Miami.
Details of the Trade
Starlyn Caba, 19, played 26 games for Single-A Clearwater last season, while Emaarion Boyd, 21, hit .239 with three home runs for High-A Jersey Shore. Both prospects represent long-term potential for the Marlins as they continue to develop their farm system. Meanwhile, the Phillies gain immediate help in Luzardo and organizational depth with McIntosh.
Luzardo’s Profile
Jesus Luzardo, 27, has shown flashes of brilliance during his six-year Major League Baseball career, which includes stints with the Oakland Athletics and the Miami Marlins. Last season, he battled elbow and back injuries that limited him to just 12 starts, where he posted a 3-6 record with a 5.00 ERA. However, his career 4.29 ERA across 89 starts indicates he has the potential to be a reliable arm in the rotation.
Luzardo’s best season came in 2023, when he made 32 starts for Miami. That year, he finished with a 10-10 record and a 3.58 ERA over 178⅔ innings, showcasing the durability and effectiveness the Phillies hope he can replicate. According to a scout who evaluated Luzardo last season, he remains a “buy-low” candidate with untapped potential. Drafted in the third round by the Washington Nationals in 2016, Luzardo has yet to fully live up to the high expectations placed on him early in his career.
Fit in the Phillies’ Rotation
The addition of Luzardo bolsters a rotation that already includes Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Ranger Suarez, and Cristopher Sanchez. The Phillies have been seeking ways to enhance their pitching staff after taking a more conservative approach in the free agent market this offseason. Luzardo’s ability to deliver quality innings will be crucial as the team looks to contend in the highly competitive National League East.
Financial Implications
Luzardo, who earned $5.5 million last season, has two more years of team control before becoming a free agent. He is expected to receive a raise in 2025 through arbitration, but his salary remains a cost-effective option for a team seeking to manage its payroll. This trade aligns with the Phillies’ reported strategy of focusing on trades rather than high-profile free agent signings this winter. Earlier in the offseason, they signed outfielder Max Kepler to a one-year, $10 million contract, signaling a shift in spending priorities.
A Calculated Move
While Luzardo’s injury history poses some risk, the Phillies are betting on his upside. If he can stay healthy and return to his 2023 form, Luzardo has the potential to be a game-changer in Philadelphia’s rotation. The inclusion of Paul McIntosh, a minor league catcher, adds depth to an organizational position of need.
For the Marlins, the trade brings in young talent to support their long-term plans, with both Caba and Boyd offering developmental promise. This deal could prove mutually beneficial for both teams as they pursue their respective goals for the upcoming season.
