Chicago Cubs Rumors: Miami Marlins starting pitchers made available

In a report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Miami Marlins are reportedly making four of their starting pitchers available via trade and that could be of interest to the Chicago Cubs. We always assumed Pablo Lopez would be had this winter via trade, but now the Cubs have some shopping to do. To be fair, all four aren't quite at that ace level, but there is a lot of potential in all four who have recently experienced success at the MLB level.

It's no secret the Cubs need a frontline starter, even if it's another solid pitcher to place in the two spot of the rotation drastically helps. You can never have enough of those upper-tier arms. Though the schedule changes in 2023, it speaks volumes to a pitching staff that has succeeded in a highly competitive NL East division. Let's dive right into the four available options and who could be the best fit for the Cubs.

4 Marlins' starters available - 4. Pablo Lopez

Pablo Lopez will be the most sought-after of the bunch due to what he displayed in 2022. Though he more than likely became fatigued towards the end of the year due to a seriously increased workload from the year prior, Lopez is still only 26 and offers a ton of potential. Lopez hurled 104 innings in the first half of 2022 to the tune of a 2.86 ERA. By far the best stretch of his career, he allowed a line of just .210/.281/.374 against would-be hitters. Set to enter his prime, Lopez's 180 innings in 2022 would have been by far the best of any Cubs pitcher.

Contract-wise, Lopez still has two years remaining on his deal, so he will cost a pretty penny to obtain via trade. He has all the potential to turn into an ace if he can maintain the same production throughout an entire season. He finished 2022 with a 3.75 ERA, but most of the damage was done in the second half after he surpassed his career high in innings pitched. Expect multiple teams to be inquiring very quickly.

4 Marlins' starters available - 3. Edward Cabrera

Edward Cabrera burst onto the scene last year in 2022 after getting roughed up in his debut a season prior. At 24 years old, Cabrera displayed a three-pitch mix of fastball, slider, and change-up. He lowered his whip from 1.633 in a short sample in 2021 to 1.074 in 2022 throughout 71.2 frames to go along with a 3.01 ERA. I'm surprised to see Cabrera be one of the four available because his potential is through the roof. Though, the return for him might prove to be exorbitant.

Cabrera isn't a free agent until 2029, and like Lopez before him, he has all the makings to be an elite pitcher in the MLB. I figured Cabrera would be one they look to build around, but if he's available, the Cubs certainly need to inquire about the price tag that's being placed to obtain his services. Should he take another step forward in 2023, you're looking at a guy that can become one of the better pitchers in the league—something the Cubs desperately need on their roster.

4 Marlins' starters available - 1. Jesus Luzardo

Last but not least, we land on Jesus Luzardo. At only 25 years old, Luzardo is another candidate who still needs to reach his true potential, and it's a team like the Cubs that could help get him there. Before the 2022 season, Luzardo had a career 5.36 ERA dating back to 2019. He struggled mightily with the Marlins and the Athletics in 2021 with a 6.87 ERA. Then, in 2022, he began to excel and turned the corner nicely with a 3.32 ERA in 100.1 frames and 18 starts.

Also, not a free agent until 2027, Luzardo has the potential but is yet to see it fully translate at the major league level. Like Trevor Rogers, it will be up to the front office to see if there is anything under the hood that can be unleashed to help him see a breakout season. Lopez and Cabrera will be the two most sought-after, and if the Cubs can land either, it would be fantastic for them. Regarding Rogers and Luzardo, they can still move the needle toward a higher win total, but I'm not 100% sure yet that they carry the same floor as Lopez or Cabrera.