Yankees get brutal vibes from trade deadline target in Monday Marlins massacre

With logical connection Shane Bieber unfortunately finished for the season -- and depressingly morose about it -- the New York Yankees will be forced to look elsewhere if they intend to upgrade their rotation at this summer's deadline.

If they look the Miami Marlins' way, they'll join an extremely crowded field of interested vultures -- and, if Ken Rosenthal is to be believed, the bidding might start just a little bit sooner than July.

The Marlins have started the 2024 season neck and neck with the White Sox for the worst record in baseball, but coming off a postseason appearance, Miami's downfall has been much more surprising. Perhaps we should've seen it coming with the owner hubristically meddled and forced Kim Ng out of town -- any time a former Rays executive like Peter Bendix rears his ugly head, you know you're in for some cost-cutting and short-term bafflement.

Miami's downfall continued on Monday night, and the chief culprit was vaunted starter Jesus Luzardo, who was briefly the darling of this offseason's rumor cycle. The Yankees have been more heavily connected to arms like Edward Cabrera (injured) and reliever Tanner Scott (wild and crazy guy) in the recent past, but Luzardo has been an apple in everyone's eye since his 2023 breakout.

Monday night at the stadium, in front of countless interested parties? A brutal fourth inning collapse, punctuated by two three-run homers by Anthony Volpe and Juan Soto. The Marlins' extremely pricey demands, which deterred the Orioles, Red Sox and Yankees during the offseason, probably won't be reduced much, if at all. They know the competition will remain fierce. But Monday was a high profile face plant for an industry darling, anyway you slice it.

Yankees demolish potential trade target Jesus Luzardo in Monday showcase

They don't call him the Jesus Lizard for nothing...or, wait, maybe they do. The lefty's eight hits, seven earned runs, and five walks represented high marks for the season, but the bad typically outweighs the good in the Bronx, in terms of first impressions.

This one was an absolute delight -- Nestor Cortes Jr. threw eight shutout innings, rookie Josh Maciejewski made his MLB debut in a 1-2-3 ninth, Soto was Soto, Volpe was Volpe. But for those who intended to get a jump on their trade deadline preview with some advance scouting, this one only further muddied the picture for a pitcher many already doubted could live up to the high expectations of being a midseason crown jewel.

Chin up, Yankee fans. At least Luzardo's meltdown benefitted the Bombers this time -- and besides, a much better and more under-the-radar trade target in Guardians righty Triston McKenzie dominated the White Sox with 5 2/3 shutout frames at the exact same time. That'll play.