For the Atlanta Braves, the biggest hurdle to their dominance in the NL East is the Phillies. Yes, the Mets did just sign Juan Soto which is a problem, but New York has a lot of work to do before they have a complete roster. Meanwhile, the Phillies are returning most of the roster that has given the Braves fits for several years now.
Part of the strength that the Phillies have had in recent years has been due to their rotation. Zack Wheeler is unfortunately one of the best pitchers in baseball, Aaron Nola is a very steady #2 option behind him, and both Cristopher Sanchez and Ranger Suarez have been quite good as well. It is deeply annoying, but Philly knows how to pitch.
However, the Phillies just swung a trade for Jesus Luzardo with the Marlins that could provide a small opening for things to go sideways to the Braves benefit.
The Marlins are trading Jesus Luzardo to the Phillies for Starlyn Caba (PHI No. 4 prospect per @MLBPipeline) and Emaarion Boyd (No. 23), per source. @ByRobertMurray and @MattGelb were on it.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) December 22, 2024
Braves stand to benefit from Jesus Luzardo trade if Phillies' gambit doesn't pay off
Well, so much for the Phillies not making any more impact moves this offseason, but that could end up being a good thing for the Braves here. Luzardo is a talented guy and he showed that talent in 2022 and 2023 in Miami where he consistently missed bats and posted a 3.48 ERA across 50 starts.
However, those are the only two seasons where Luzardo pitched more than 100 innings in a season as he has dealt with elbow and back issues off and on for years now. In 2024, his strikeout rate cratered to a career-worst 7.8 K/9 in 2024 as he dealt with more injuries and most of his career has seen him struggle to find the strike zone consistently and keep the ball in the park.
Given that Philly had to give up their #4 and #23 prospects to land Luzardo, this could end up being a massive win for the Braves. Luzardo's injury history does not inspire much confidence and if the Phillies used real trade chips for a guy that ends up giving them a 5-6 ERA in the rotation in limited action, Atlanta fans certainly aren't going to complain.
However, if Luzardo is right and he is finally healthy and will be at full strength on Opening Day, then the Phillies may have found a way to bolster a position of strength and the Braves could have their hands full with them yet again.