Hope, change, expectation, and projection are some of the things that the Peter Bendix era has brought to the Miami Marlins since the new president of baseball operations joined the team. However, one unexpected trade report during the offseason involving lefty pitcher Jesus Luzardo did bring doubts to some Marlins fans.
Jesus Luzardo, Miami Marlins starting pitcher, has always expressed his fortune of being part of the South Florida team he grew up following. Luzardo posted a record of 10-10 during 32 games with a 3.58 ERA totaling 178.2 innings pitched striking out a career-high 208 batters in 2023 for the Marlins. He quickly became a fan favorite gaining cheer and admiration every time he took the mound in front of Marlins fans at loanDepot Park.
The Marlins began spring training camp as pitchers and catchers reported this past Tuesday February 15th in Jupiter, FL. “I was never involved in any of those conversations but it’s just part of the business” expressed Luzardo when asked about the trade rumors. “At the end of the day I love being here, I love being a Marlins. I have been a Marlins fan my whole life as I grew up in South Florida so the longer I can be here the happier I will be. I am happy to be here, and I am happy to be a part of this team.” continued Luzardo.
As a leader in the rotation, Jesus Luzardo has an important task ahead for the 2024 season given that the Marlins will miss Sandy Alcantara who is out for the season recovering from Tommy John surgery. Luzardo along with Braxton Garrett became a one-two combination after Alcantara’s injury late in the season. They both represented the Marlins on the mound against the Phillies when the team gained a pass to the post-season via wild card for the first time during a full season since 2003 when the then Florida Marlins brought the World Series trophy to South Florida.
Luzardo played his high school baseball for Marjory Stoneman Douglas in Parkland, Fl was drafted by the Washington Nationals in 2016 during the 3rd round earning the 94th overall pick, debuted with the Oakland A’s in 2019 and made his way back to South Florida when Miami sent outfielder Starling Marte to Oakland in exchange for the southpaw’s services. During his five years in the league, Luzardo has 23 wins versus 28 losses posting a 4.18 ERA in 445.1 innings pitched with 501 strikeouts.
If a change is innevitIf change is inevitable, Miami Marlins fans will miss the South Florida native. In a short time, the hurler with Peruvian and Venezuelan roots has become a fan favorite. Once a Marlins, always a Marlins.