Sandy Alcantara Trade Watch: Marlins Ace Drawing Major Interest Ahead of Deadline

By Oliver Wiener June 08, 2025 12:42

As the 2025 MLB trade deadline looms, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara has become one of the most talked-about trade candidates in baseball. Despite a challenging start to the season following his return from Tommy John surgery, Alcantara’s status as a former Cy Young Award winner and his team control through 2027 make him a coveted asset for contending teams looking to bolster their starting rotations.

Struggles and Potential

Alcantara, 29, has struggled this season, posting an alarming 7.89 ERA through 12 starts, the worst among qualified starters, and allowing 50 earned runs, the most in the league. Advanced metrics tell a similar story, with a 5.04 FIP and 4.85 SIERA ranking near the bottom among pitchers with at least 50 innings pitched. His strikeout rate has dipped to 19.8%, down from a career average of 23.6%, while opponents are hitting a career-high 40.5% hard contact against him. These numbers reflect a pitcher still searching for his pre-surgery form.

Yet, Alcantara remains confident in his ability to rebound. “It’s challenging. You need to be resilient,” Alcantara said recently. “Observing negative comments and listening to people speak poorly about you is something you have to try to disregard. But I’m strong, and I have faith in myself. I know that one day, everything will shift.” His 2022 Cy Young Award season, where he posted a 2.28 ERA over 228.2 innings, serves as a reminder of his elite potential.

Trade Interest and Market Dynamics

Despite his struggles, the demand for frontline starters is so high that Alcantara continues to attract significant trade interest. The Chicago Cubs, grappling with injuries in their rotation, have emerged as a notable suitor. A recent trade proposal suggested Miami could receive top Cubs prospects Jefferson Rojas and Jon Long in exchange for Alcantara. Rojas, ranked as the Cubs’ No. 5 prospect, would be a centerpiece for the rebuilding Marlins.

MLB executives have voted Alcantara as the most likely player to be traded by the deadline, underscoring the widespread belief that Miami will capitalize on his value. Marlins president Peter Bendix is known for his willingness to trade established talent for young prospects and payroll flexibility, making Alcantara a prime candidate for a blockbuster deal.

However, rival GMs remain cautious. ESPN’s Buster Olney noted on the Baseball Tonight podcast, “Teams want evidence that he can return to being the Sandy of old. His changeup, once one of the most effective pitches in baseball, has become a liability. They want to see improvements in his command before making a significant investment.”

Marlins’ Rebuilding Strategy

Miami’s front office faces a balancing act. While Alcantara’s current performance is subpar, his contract $17.3 million in 2025 with a $21 million team option for 2027 and youth make him a rare asset in a rebuilding market. The Marlins have a deep pool of interested teams, including the Mets, Orioles, Angels, and Giants, all seeking to add a top-tier starter.

The Marlins are reportedly holding out for a premium return, aiming for multiple top-100 prospects or even a top-30 overall prospect in any deal. This approach reflects their desire to accelerate the rebuild by acquiring blue-chip talent in exchange for their ace.

Sandy Alcantara’s trade saga is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stories of the 2025 MLB season. While his recent struggles cast doubt on his immediate impact, his proven track record and remaining team control ensure he remains a highly valuable trade chip. As the July 31 deadline approaches, the Marlins will weigh offers carefully, seeking to maximize return while hoping Alcantara can rediscover the form that once made him one of baseball’s elite pitchers.

For contending teams willing to take a calculated risk, Alcantara represents a potential ace with a high ceiling. For the Marlins, trading their former Cy Young winner could provide the cornerstone pieces needed to build a competitive roster for years to come.