Jesus Luzardo Named "Most Likely to be Traded" + 3 Likely Destinations

There are a number of players whose names have been front and center on the rumor mill thus far this season, but according to noted MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, he cites one player in particular as the one who will definitely be dealt before the July 30th trade deadline.

(Jose) Luzardo, to me, is the single player most likely to be traded. The Marlins are going to keep going, they traded (Luis) Arraez, they're going to trade Luzardo as long as he stays healthy... He's gone.

Rosenthal laid out the Miami Marlins starting pitcher as the one destined to go, while assessing trade candidates on The Athletic's Foul Territory podcast.

Luzardo began the season injured, and had a rough start in his first few outings leading up to an IL stint. He posted a 6.58 ERA in 26 innings. But since coming back off the IL, in four starts, he has a 1.75 ERA and opposing hitters are batting just .204 in those 25.2 innings. He's back to that high-end arm that he's been touted to be.

A look now at 3 top landing spots:

Atlanta Braves

The team lost their ace and Cy Young contender Spencer Strider for the season and with their depth challenged at the back end of the rotation, Luzardo would be a great get. We wouldn't put it past Alex Antholpoulos to make this move.

San Francisco Giants

After Logan Webb and Jordan Hicks, the Giants' rotation has some holes, to say the least. Blake Snell has been a disaster as a free agent signing. Luzardo won't come cheap as far as prospect capital is concerned, so the Giants, at just one game over .500, have a decision to make on whether to go all-in for the top arm on the market.

Minnesota Twins

After losing Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda coming into the season, the Twins have a back end of the rotation that's in dire need of some help. At 6.0 games back of first place, they're trying to stay close in the AL Central with the surprising Cleveland Guardians and KC Royals, and can't fall any farther back.