Cubs Pursuing Marlins’ Ace Sandy Alcantara in High-Stakes Trade Talks

By Oliver Wiener June 12, 2025 09:36

The Chicago Cubs are intensifying their pursuit of Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara as the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, engaging in high-stakes talks that could reshape their rotation and playoff outlook. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign, Alcantara remains one of the most coveted pitchers on the market due to his track record, contract control, and potential upside.

Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, has struggled this season with a 2-7 record and a 7.89 ERA through 12 starts, a stark contrast to his dominant 2022 performance when he posted a 14-9 record with a 2.27 ERA and led MLB in WAR (8.0), innings pitched (228.2), and complete games (6). His rough start in 2025 is largely attributed to his recovery from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, and the adjustment period that often follows such a major procedure. However, recent outings suggest signs of a return to form, with back-to-back quality starts fueling optimism among scouts and front offices.

The Marlins, currently languishing at 24-40 and deep into a rebuild under President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix, are expected sellers at the deadline. Trading Alcantara, who is under team control through 2027 with a club option for $21 million in 2027, makes strategic sense as Miami looks to maximize returns on a player whose value is somewhat diminished but still substantial. Alcantara’s contract is considered team-friendly, with roughly $17 million owed in both 2025 and 2026, making him an attractive acquisition despite his struggles.

For the Cubs, who boast one of the National League’s best records at 40-26 but face stiff competition from powerhouses like the Dodgers and Mets, adding a frontline starter like Alcantara could be the missing piece in their quest for postseason success. Their current rotation, featuring starters such as Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, and Jameson Taillon, is solid but may lack the elite edge needed to contend against top-tier playoff lineups. MLB insider Jeff Passan highlighted Alcantara as the Cubs’ best fit among available trade targets, noting that while Alcantara may not instantly transform into a “world-beater,” his presence would be a worthwhile gamble.

Trade proposals circulating in the media suggest the Cubs might part with a package including top prospects like shortstop Jefferson Rojas and outfielder Yahil Melendez to land Alcantara. Rojas, ranked as Chicago’s No. 5 prospect, and Melendez, among the top 15, represent significant assets, underscoring the high price the Marlins will demand. Analysts like Bailey Bassett emphasize that Miami will leverage Alcantara’s past dominance and contract control to extract maximum value, likely holding out for multiple top prospects rather than a minimal haul.

Despite the risks, the Cubs’ front office appears willing to take a chance on Alcantara’s rebound potential, banking on his power fastball, ground-ball inducing pitching style, and proven durability prior to injury. Manager David Ross and president Jed Hoyer have both indicated the team’s commitment to bolstering the rotation, with Alcantara’s acquisition seen as a potential game-changer.

The Cubs’ pursuit of Sandy Alcantara represents a high-stakes gamble with significant upside. While Alcantara’s 2025 numbers have been underwhelming, his elite 2022 season and recent signs of improvement make him a tantalizing target for a Cubs team aiming to solidify its rotation for a deep playoff run. As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on Chicago and Miami to see if this blockbuster deal materializes, potentially reshaping the National League landscape.