Cardinals Should Complete Blockbuster Trade For Marlins Ace With Deal More Likely

St. Louis could use a boost at the top of the starting rotation

Sep 11, 2020; Miami, Florida, USA; A general view of a illuminated Miami Marlins logo in center / Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The St. Louis Cardinals could still use another top-of-the-rotation starting pitcher.

St. Louis improved its starting rotation this past offseason by signing Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson but it still needs some work. The Cardinals currently are 5-5 and are in last place in the National League Central standings.

The Cardinals haven't had Gray available for a start yet -- although he will make his 2024 debut this week -- so they should get a boost soon. But it wouldn't hurt to make another addition.

One player who has been mentioned in the past and still could make a lot of sense is Miami Marlins ace Jesús Luzardo. The young lefty has been in trade rumors for the last year and with Miami's rough start, a deal is becoming more of a possibility, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

"They've had unfortunate injuries in the rotation as their top starters, Sandy Alcántara and Eury Pérez needed Tommy John surgery and are out for the year, and starters Edward Cabrera and Braxton Garrett both began the season on the Injured List with shoulder inflammation.

"The Marlins have started 1-9 and yes, it's only a matter of time before they start trading, with lefty Jesús Luzardo the most likely player to be traded because every contending team -- from the (Baltimore Orioles) to the (New York Yankees) to the (Houston Astros) to the (Texas Rangers) to the (Los Angeles Dodgers) to the (Cincinnati Reds) -- will be pursuing him at the deadline."

Luzardo has been linked to the Cardinals before and he's the exact type of player the club should pursue. He is just 26 years old and is under contract until 2027. St. Louis certainly could afford a trade and he immediately would bolster the rotation.

St. Louis at least should give Miami a call.

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