Phillies, Marlins Agree To Blockbuster Trade Sunday Morning
12/22/2024 09:51 AM
The Philadelphia Phillies and the Miami Marlins heated the MLB's hot stove up on Sunday morning.
While most of the sports world is focused on football, with the first round of the College Football Playoff finishing up and the Week 16 NFL slate in full effect, the two NL East franchises agreed to a blockbuster trade on Sunday morning.
Miami has agreed to send left-handed pitcher Jesus Luzardo to Philadelphia, in exchange for two prospects, according to a report from The Athletic.
The Phillies have reportedly agreed to trade prospects Starlyn Caba, a 19-year-old shortstop, and Emaarion Boyd, a speedy 19-year-old outfielder.
The Athletic had more on the trade:
In addition to Luzardo, league sources said the Phillies would receive a minor-league catcher from the Marlins.
Luzardo, 27, has a career 4.29 ERA. He had his best season in 2023, when he posted a 3.58 ERA and 208 strikeouts in 178 2/3 innings for Miami. But he comes to the Phillies with some red flags; Luzardo made only 12 starts in 2024. He did not pitch after June 13. He was sidelined by left elbow tightness, then suffered a lumbar stress reaction that ended his season.
The Marlins had shopped Luzardo last summer during their fire sale but teams balked given his uncertain health status. He's been the subject of trade rumors all offseason.
The Phillies are coming off a disappointing loss to the Mets in the National League Divisional Series. Philadelphia has been going all-in in past offseasons, signing Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Nick Castellanos, Kyle Schwarber, J.T. Realmuto and others to big deals. Now, they've made a big trade to strengthen their rotation, which was already one of the best in the National League.
Philadelphia will head into the 2025 MLB season looking to compete at the top of the NL East.
