Offseason Maneuvering: Cubs Eyeing Luzardo, Diamondbacks Rework Bullpen
As the Major League Baseball Winter Meetings wrap up, the offseason trading atmosphere is thick with anticipation. Teams are painstakingly sculpting and reshaping their rosters in pursuit of a coveted postseason berth. Two teams at the forefront of discussions are the Chicago Cubs and the Arizona Diamondbacks, each targeting specific talents to bolster their chances.
Cubs' Pitching Aspirations: Focus on Jesús Luzardo
The Chicago Cubs, in their quest to enhance their pitching lineup, have set their sights on Miami Marlins' left-handed pitcher, Jesús Luzardo. Luzardo has proven his prowess on the mound over the past two seasons, boasting a commendable 3.48 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP across 50 starts. His striking capacity is further evidenced by his recording of 328 strikeouts over 279 innings in the 2022-23 seasons.
However, the Cubs must weigh the risks. Luzardo's promising career hit a snag with elbow and back injuries during the 2024 season, potentially placing a question mark over his future performance. Despite these concerns, his existing contract extends through the 2026 season, providing ample time for both recovery and mastery on the field.
Diamondbacks' Quest for Closer Options
Turning to the Arizona Diamondbacks, their focus has shifted towards strengthening the bullpen, specifically in search of late-inning relief options. Their recent attempt to acquire All-Star closer Devin Williams from the Yankees fell short, highlighting the need for alternate strategies.
Currently, Arizona's bullpen is anchored by Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, and Ryan Thompson, serving as pivotal arms for high-stakes scenarios. The Diamondbacks have expressed interest in trading for proven closers such as Ryan Helsley, Pete Fairbanks, and Ryan Pressly, aiming to inject reliability and experience into their bullpen.
The Diamondbacks have also tapped into the free-agent market, considering Tanner Scott, Carlos Estevez, Kirby Yates, and Kenley Jansen. Bringing in seasoned free agents could provide the team with the closing edge essential for tight matchups, an asset the Diamondbacks are ardently pursuing.
Looking Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, Bruce Levine hinted at the urgency of these discussions, stating, "Bruce Levine highlighted the urgency surrounding these deliberations, suggesting developments may occur 'in the next few days.'" Such remarks underscore the imminent decisions facing both the Cubs and Diamondbacks, as they maneuver to align their rosters with their strategic ambitions.
The dynamics of the offseason period in Major League Baseball often dictate the flow of the upcoming season. Securing the right mix of talent, health, and tactical strategies could very well determine the success stories of 2025. Until then, the league watches with bated breath, eager to see how the chessboard is set.