The Boston Red Sox had to pivot to an emergency backup plan after missing out on superstar outfielder Juan Soto. The first piece of this plan was swinging a blockbuster trade for Chicago White Sox ace Garrett Crochet.
But the Red Sox may continue to add pitching, with one of the hottest names on the market being Miami Marlins lefty Jesús Luzardo. Luzardo to Boston makes a lot of sense for both sides, but there haven't been any rumors of a proposed deal yet.
Let's create one ourselves.
Here's a trade that would send the young Marlins lefty to Boston:
- Boston Red Sox receive: LHP Jesús Luzardo
- Miami Marlins receive: SS Yoeilin Cespedes (No. 5 prospect), RHP David Sandlin (No. 8 prospect), SS/2B Mikey Romero (No. 12 prospect)
Luzardo is under team control in 2025 and 2026, giving Boston a high-ceiling lefty to pair next to Tanner Houck and Crochet at the top of the rotation. Due to Luzardo's injury in 2024, the Red Sox would acquire him for a bit cheaper than many expect, but they still part ways with talented prospects in this proposal.
Yoeilin Cespedes is a 19-year-old shortstop who's crushed rookie ball pitching so far. But Boston's farm system is loaded with young shortstops, so this isn't a huge loss for the Red Sox. It is a major addition to the Marlins farm system, though.
David Sandlin is nearing a big league debut. The 23-year-old righty has a four-pitch mix which he commands rather well. In the Marlins organization, he would likely debut early on in 2025.
Mikey Romero is another one of Boston's shortstop prospects who finds himself blocked by a loaded farm system. The 20-year-old performed rather well most of last season, but a down year in 2023 has many questioning his true floor.
