Astros Set Sights on Marlins Ace Alcantara in Offseason Trade Talks
The Houston Astros, a powerhouse in the American League West, are emerging as a potential landing spot for one of the Miami Marlins’ premier pitchers this offseason. As the World Series concludes, the offseason buzz is heating up, with the Marlins expected to be a key player in trade discussions.
Marlins in Demand
With a promising starting pitcher free agent market on the horizon, the Miami Marlins could find their front office busy with inquiries from rival teams. While high-caliber arms are scarce, teams that miss out on stars like Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros and Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres will likely pivot to trade options. Among the most coveted names is Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers, although Detroit has no pressing need to move him. This leaves teams like the Astros exploring other avenues, including a trade for one of Miami’s top pitchers.
Astros Pursue Alcantara
MLB analyst Jim Bowden recently highlighted Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara as one of the most likely players to be traded this offseason, ranking him sixth on his list of top trade candidates. Bowden identified the Astros alongside the Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Angels, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees as potential suitors for Alcantara.
“Next season, Alcantara will be another year removed from his Tommy John surgery, which bodes well for his chances of returning to his Cy Young form,” Bowden noted. Alcantara made 31 starts this year, logging 174 2/3 innings and demonstrating his health and resilience. His second-half performance, with a 3.33 ERA, indicated a return to form.
Marlins’ Control of Alcantara
The Marlins hold a team option for Alcantara through 2027, providing them with two more years of control. This leverage means that Miami is not under pressure to trade their ace unless an enticing offer materializes. Given Alcantara’s strong finish to the season, it’s plausible that he will return to anchor the Marlins’ rotation alongside Edward Cabrera next year.
Marlins fans witnessed Alcantara’s prowess firsthand in the latter half of the season. After a disappointing 2024 in which they lost 100 games, Miami surprised many by finishing just four games shy of the National League’s final wild card spot this year. With the potential for continued improvement, the Marlins may opt to keep Alcantara and further solidify their roster for the upcoming season rather than entertain trade offers.
A Busy Offseason Ahead
As the offseason unfolds, the Astros and other interested teams are likely to keep the lines of communication open with the Marlins. While Miami has the option to retain Alcantara, the allure of a high-impact trade could tempt them to reconsider their stance. However, given the team’s recent performance and the prospect of Alcantara returning to his elite form, Miami may choose to hold onto its ace for another season.
