Cubs fans finally have the answer they needed on the offseason trade that never happened

There was a point this offseason when it is looking pretty clear that Jesús Luzardo was going to be a member of the Chicago Cubs' 2025 starting rotation.

Following the Winter Meetings in December, it seemed that the Cubs and Miami Marlins had made significant progress on that trade that would have sent Luzardo to the North Side. Then, the talks abruptly fell apart, and the Marlins traded Luzardo to the Philadelphia Phillies. As it turns out, the Cubs will be facing Luzardo on Saturday.

Given Luzardo's injury history, speculation was that the Cubs backed away from the deal after reviewing the pitcher's medicals. Confirmation of that speculation was provided by Ken Rosenthal on Friday. Rosenthal reports that the Cubs and Marlins did have an agreement in place before the Cubs flagged concerns with Luzardo's back and shoulder. Details of what the Cubs would have sent the Marlins haven't been revealed yet, but at the time, there was speculation that Owen Caissie and/or James Triantos would have been included in the deal.

Luzardo hasn't only proved to be healthy with the Philles during his first five starts of the 2025 season, but he has also been extremely effective. In a tick over 30 innings pitched this season, Luzardo has posted a 2.08 ERA while striking out 30% of the hitters he has faced and walking under 6%. Luzardo's fastball velocity is also sitting at an average of 96.4 MPH this season.

The Cubs may regret backing away from the Jesús Luzardo trade

There could be some regret from the Cubs' front office that they backed away from the trade. Especially when you consider the fact that Justin Steele will be out for the remainder of the 2025 season. Had the Cubs traded for Luzardo, handling the Steele injury likely would have been a softer landing.

As it turns out, the Cubs remain on the look for a frontline starting pitcher before the Major League Baseball Trade Deadline in July. Recent speculation seems to have pointed the Cubs in the direction of the Minnesota Twins and Pablo López.