Miami Marlins: What to do with Jesus Luzardo

The Miami Marlins have a problem that any other team in the league would love to have. Their pitching depth, particularly when it comes to the rotation, is the envy of major league baseball. Add in their prospects that are on the cusp of the majors, and it is easy to see why they would be looking to trade some of their ‘veteran’ arms for help in the lineup.

This also leaves some of their arms in limbo. Jesus Luzardo, the once prized prospect, was the return for two months of Starling Marte. The Marlins had hoped that a change of scenery would do wonders, allowing him to return to form. That did not happen in his limited time in Miami last season.

Jesus Luzardo a question mark for Miami Marlins

Luzardo had a rollercoaster of a rookie season with the A’s, but still flashed the potential that led prospect aficionados to anticipate that he would develop into an ace. Instead, he imploded in 2021, posting a 6.61 ERA and a 1.615 WHiP in his 95.1 innings between Oakland and Miami, striking out 98 batters, but also issuing 48 walks and allowing 20 homers.

Those struggles have prompted questions as to what the Marlins will do with Luzardo. He is not that far removed from his stature as one of the top pitching prospects in the game. However, with their multitude of arms, he is not going to have that long of a leash. It has even been speculated that the Marlins may look to trade him, but his value has to be at the lowest it has ever been.

But there may be a way for the Marlins to salvage something from Luzardo. For all of their starting pitching depth, they do need to find pieces in the bullpen. Luzardo, with his high octane fastball, could be an option as a reliever, potentially working his way into a high leverage role.

Such a move could work out. Luzardo has a lifetime .240/.321/.490 batting line against on his first 25 pitches, a mark that is much better than anything he has put together as he gets further into the game. He has also been particularly effective on one or two days of rest, albeit in a very small sample size. He has allowed seven hits, with two doubles and two homers, with two walks in 42 plate appearances, striking out 15 batters.

Even if the Marlins trade one of their established starters as they are expected to, Luzardo is not assured of a spot in the rotation. He could, however, be an asset in the bullpen and eventually work his way into an important role. It may not be the path that the Marlins envisioned when they acquired him, but it might be the right one for his career.

The Miami Marlins have a major question mark with Jesus Luzardo. The answer may involve converting him to the bullpen.