The New York Yankees are anticipated to add this trade deadline given how strong their season has been thus far, and one area where they may improve is their pitching staff. It sounds strange considering their rotation success, but you can never have too much solid pitching, and Jesus Luzardo is someone they’ve been intrigued in this winter. He’s not off to a good start in 2023, with a 5.30 ERA and a 22.5% strikeout rate, both of which are significant regressions from the previous season.
According to Robert Murray, MLB executives believe Jesus Luzardo may be a good match for the Yankees, as well as the Brewers and Orioles.
Is Jesus Luzardo a good fit for the Yankees?
There are some concerns about Jesus Luzardo’s performance this season, since his fastball velocity has dipped to 94.6 MPH after returning from the IL, and his ERA is 4.20. If Luzardo can get on a run, his value may rise, but the Stuff+ regression makes me wonder if he can turn things around quickly. He had an elbow injury earlier this season, so when you combine a shaky elbow with worse news, there’s something odd about that profile.
Could the Yankees consider buying low and seeing if they can get more out of him? Maybe, but the fit does not appear to be as nice as it was this winter. Luzardo is getting hit hard, isn’t missing bats as frequently as he used to, and it feels like a ticking time bomb for a long term on the IL. The Yankees traded for Frankie Montas in 2022, who had a problematic shoulder, and it backfired, so would they want to go down that road again?
Some feel that given how effectively Carlos Rodon and Luis Gil have thrown this season, the Yankees should forgo shopping at the top of the SP market and instead look for a depth arm. The corner infield is a major concern for many, with Anthony Rizzo’s stats plunging across the board, so it may be where they focus most come July.
It’s a nightmare scenario, but the Yankees may also have to look at the outfield if Juan Soto is gravely injured.
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