As the dust settles from the whirlwind of the Winter Meetings, Major League Baseball teams are making decisive moves to refine their rosters for the upcoming season. A focal point of these adjustments is the improvement of pitching staffs, with the Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks actively pursuing upgrades.
Cubs Eye Jesús Luzardo for Pitching Depth
The Chicago Cubs have turned their attention to Miami's left-hander, Jesús Luzardo, as a potential reinforcement for their pitching lineup. Luzardo, who boasts a respectable track record, has maintained a 3.48 ERA and a 1.15 WHIP over 50 starts across the 2022-23 seasons, marking him as a consistent and reliable presence on the mound. During this period, Luzardo struck out a commendable 328 batters over 279 innings, underscoring his capability to dominate opposing hitters.
However, Luzardo's journey has not been without its hurdles. In the 2024 season, he grappled with elbow and back injuries, challenges that may factor into trade discussions. Despite these recent setbacks, Luzardo remains under contract until after the 2026 season, potentially offering the Cubs a long-term solution to bolster their pitching rotation.
Diamondbacks Seek Late-Inning Stability
Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks are focusing on shoring up their bullpen, particularly in high-pressure, late-inning scenarios. Their quest to acquire an established closer led them to pursue Devin Williams, an All-Star with the Yankees, though these efforts did not culminate in a successful deal. Currently, Arizona's bullpen relies on Justin Martinez, Kevin Ginkel, and Ryan Thompson as primary late-inning arms. While these pitchers provide depth, the Diamondbacks appear keen on enhancing their closing options.
In their search for a reliable finisher, Arizona is exploring possible trades for renowned closers like Ryan Helsley, Pete Fairbanks, and Ryan Pressly. These pitchers represent substantial additions to any bullpen, providing both experience and proven track records under pressure.
Moreover, Arizona isn't limiting its search to trades alone. The team is also considering free agents Tanner Scott, Carlos Estevez, Kirby Yates, and veteran closer Kenley Jansen. These additions could infuse the bullpen with a mix of talent and experience, aimed at stabilizing late-game performances.
Urgency in Team Strategies
The sense of urgency surrounding these strategic decisions was notably highlighted by Bruce Levine, who suggested, "developments may occur 'in the next few days.'” This indicates that both the Cubs and Diamondbacks may soon make pivotal decisions that could significantly affect their trajectories for the upcoming season.
As teams like the Cubs and Diamondbacks adjust to the ever-competitive landscape of Major League Baseball, the moves they consider now could prove crucial. Whether through embracing potential in players like Luzardo despite recent injuries or aggressively pursuing established bullpen talent, these franchises are setting the stage for a season filled with promise and high expectations.
Both teams, by targeting upgrades in pitching depth and late-inning reliability, demonstrate a commitment to strengthening areas critical to achieving success in the high-stakes environment of professional baseball. As fans and analysts eagerly await the unfolding of these strategies, the fluidity of the off-season continues to shape the dynamics of the league.