The Opener: Luzardo, Baddoo, MLBTR Chat

As the hot stove continues to boil after a busy week of winter gatherings, here are three things we’ll be keeping an eye on today:

1. Could a deal with Luzardo be in the works?

The vast majority of teams are at least ostensibly trying to compete in 2024, leaving precious few rebuilding teams who can be expected to trade established players for prospects this winter. The Marlins are among the few clear sellers and are apparently open for business regarding their unnamed established players Alcantara Sand. They have already distributed the interior Jake Burger to the Rangers during the Winter Meetings, and now appears left-handed Jesus Lucerdo he could be the next player Miami deals. The Cubs are reportedly making a push to acquire the lefty.

It’s unclear whether a deal between the parties is close or if there are other Luzardo suitors in active negotiations with the Fish, but adding Luzardo would give a Chicago team that has already traded for the star winger Kyle Tucker a raised arm to pair with left-handed teammates Justin Steele AND Shota Imanagaprobably entering early Jameson Taillon AND Matthew Boyd in the top five. Luzardo struggled in 2024, making just 12 starts due to lower back issues and pitching to a 5.00 ERA when he was healthy enough to take over. However, he is among the strongest lefties in the sport and is just one year away from posting a 3.58 ERA with a 28.1% strikeout rate in 32 games in 2023.

2. Upcoming Baddoo Resolution:

A resolution regarding the future of the Tigers outfielder Akil Baddoo is expected today. Baddoo was tasked by Detroit last week to create a 40-man roster spot for the newly signed Steed Alex Cobbgiving them a week to trade Baddoo or attempt to get him through waivers. That one-week window expires today, so it should be clear soon whether or not he’s going to a new team. Baddoo, the Tigers’ former Rule 5 pick, impressed during his rookie season in 2021 with above-average numbers at the plate, but has hit just .203/.292/.328 in the majors over the past three seasons. Any acquiring team would be prepared to offer Baddoo a contract through arbitration in 2025, which MLBTR’s Matt Swartz projects to come in at $1.6 million.

3. Chat MLBTR today:

With the winter meetings behind us, the offseason is in full swing with 16 of MLBTR’s top 50 free agents off the board. If you have questions about who your favorite team will target this winter or a trade proposal in the back of your mind, MLBTR’s Steve Adams will be here to answer your questions during a live chat scheduled for 1pm CT. You can click here to ask a question in advance, join the live broadcast once the chat has started, or read the transcript once the chat is complete.