Cubs Could Land Projected $71 Million Ace In Shocking Offseason Trade Idea

The Chicago Cubs are seemingly in a very aggressive "win-now" mode. Chicago recently dealt prospect Cam Smtih and All-Star Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros for superstar Kyle Tucker, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

After this deal, it's crucial for the Cubs to continue with this all-in approach, which means more trades for manager Craig Counsell's club.

One name that's been connected to the Cubs is Miami Marlins ace Jesús Luzardo. Luzardo is under team control in 2025 and 2026, but enters free agency in 2027. Spotrac projects him to sign a $71 million deal when he becomes a free agent, but his real deal will likely be worth more than that.

Here's a deal that could send the aforementioned Luzardo to the Cubs this winter:

• Chicago Cubs receive: LHP Jesús Luzardo
• Miami Marlins receive: 2B/OF James Triantos (No. 5 prospect), OF Kevin Alcantara (No. 6 prospect), SS/2B Cristian Hernandez (No. 14 prospect)

The Cubs might have to throw in another prospect to get this deal to go through, but it wouldn't be anything serious. It definitely wouldn't be a top 10 prospect.

Luzardo posted ERAs of 3.32 and 3.58 in 2022 and 2023, respectively. His 2024 stats are a bit shakier, but the lefty only made 12 starts while battling injuries. He posted a 4.26 FIP and a 1.24 WHIP in 2024, which both point to a better season than his 5.00 ERA would indicate.

The lefty has flashed ace potential in his career. He won't be worth as much as Garrett Crochet was in a trade, but he'll still be pretty expensive.

James Triantos and Kevin Alcantara headline this deal. The Cubs are set in the outfield in the big leagues, so the top outfield prospects seem expendable. Both Triantos and Alcantara are big league ready bats without a spot to play at Wrigley Field right now.

Cristian Hernandez is the eighth-highest ranked infielder in the Cubs' system. He's expendable for Chicago, but valuable to Miami. The righty is an elite athlete that still needs polished in a few places.