Report: Cubs backed out of Luzardo trade due to medical concerns

The Chicago Cubs didn't go through with an offseason trade for then-Miami Marlins left-hander Jesús Luzardo after reviewing the pitcher's medical records, sources told Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Chicago's front office reportedly identified Luzardo's back and elbow as areas for concern.

The Marlins pivoted, dealing the 27-year-old to the Philadelphia Phillies along with minor-league catcher/outfielder Paul McIntosh for prospects Starlyn Caba and Emaarion Boyd.

"I've had plenty of players where one club hasn't taken a player because of medicals and another club has, and the player is fine," Phillies president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski said. "Everybody has their own standards, how they read certain injuries.

"Our (doctors and athletic trainers) - and knock on wood, because you never know what happens - have been very good at analyzing guys for us. And they have turned guys down at times, too, for us. But they felt they would be able to keep (Luzardo) healthy."

Luzardo, who's arbitration-eligible through 2026, is scheduled to face the Cubs on Saturday at Wrigley Field. He's been terrific to start the season, authoring a 2.08 ERA with a 1.09 WHIP and 36 strikeouts over 30 1/3 innings (five starts).