Chicago Cubs Predicted to Trade For One of Top Pitchers in Baseball

The Chicago Cubs are viewed as one team that could trade for one of the top left-handed pitchers.

Apr 2, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Marlins starting pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) pitches in the / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the 4-2 start to the season, the biggest news surrounding the Chicago Cubs was the injury to their ace, Justin Steele. He went down with a hamstring injury on Opening Day and is hopeful to return after April, allowing the Cubs an opportunity to stay afloat until his return.

While losing Steele hurts, and replacing him won't be any easier given the type of arm he is, Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report predicts Chicago to be one of the teams that could trade for star Jesus Luzardo.

Luzardo's under club control through 2026, giving the Cubs one of the top arms around the deadline, and for the future.

If they want to be the team playoff team they're aiming to be this season, landing another elite arm at the deadline should be at the top of their list. Chicago would run into the issue of having three left-handed pitchers be their three best arms, but Craig Counsell has already said he isn't too worried about that being the case.

Factor in the farm system the Cubs have to pull of a trade like this, and landing Luzardo doesn't seem far-fetched.

They have more than enough talent to make a deal, and this is one of those arms that's good enough to warrant moving some of their better prospects.

In the 2023 season, Luzardo posted a 3.58 ERA with 208 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings pitched. His 208 strikeouts were among the top in baseball and the most of his young career.

The left-hander has had his injuries, but has thrown more than 100 innings in each of the last two seasons. If he can stay healthy, and the Miami Marlins keep losing games, he's a prime trade candidate and one Chicago's front office should show interest in.