Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara Trade Rumors Heat Up with Cubs and Yankees in Pursuit
The Miami Marlins find themselves at a pivotal crossroads this offseason, particularly concerning the future of ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara. As the front office contemplates the direction of the team, questions linger not only about Alcantara’s status but also about fellow pitcher Edward Cabrera. With the Marlins missing out on the National League wild card by just four games, they face a tempting choice: trade one of their prized pitchers or retain their talent and attempt to build on last season’s performance.
Potential Trade Scenarios
Should the Marlins choose to entertain trade offers for Alcantara, they are poised to receive substantial returns given the current market for starting pitching. Christopher Kline of FanSided has identified two notable contenders that could serve as trade partners: the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees. While Kline suggests the Cubs as the ideal landing spot for Alcantara, he views the Yankees as a less favorable fit.
Chicago Cubs: The Ideal Destination
The Cubs, fresh off a disappointing postseason exit at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Division Series, are in dire need of pitching reinforcements. The addition of Alcantara could provide the stability they seek, complementing veteran Matthew Boyd in a revamped rotation. Cubs General Manager Jed Hoyer has a track record of making aggressive moves to bolster his roster, and the allure of adding a front-line starter like Alcantara could push him to consider an enticing offer.
New York Yankees: A Complicated Fit
On the other hand, the Yankees present a more complex situation. With Gerrit Cole expected to return from Tommy John surgery, the Yankees have a veteran rotation that raises questions about durability. Cole, along with other key pitchers like Carlos Rodon, Max Fried, and Luis Gil, comes with a history of injuries. While Alcantara could add valuable depth, the Yankees’ current roster dynamics make a trade less straightforward.
Despite undergoing surgery himself, Alcantara demonstrated improvement as the season progressed, hinting at a return to his elite form. His rising performance could entice teams to pursue him aggressively, especially given the Yankees’ need for reliable arms.
Marlins’ Decision-Making Process
As winter approaches, the Marlins are likely to receive inquiries from major market clubs eager to bolster their rotations. If Miami decides to put Alcantara on the trading block, they can afford to hold out for an attractive package. Conversely, they might opt to retain him and see how the season unfolds, potentially reassessing their strategy as the trade deadline approaches next summer.
In the coming weeks, the Marlins’ front office will be under pressure to make strategic decisions that could shape the franchise’s future. Will they keep their ace, or will they capitalize on the trade market? Only time will reveal the Marlins’ path forward.
