Sandy Alcantara Is Heating Up — Just in Time for the Trade Deadline

Sandy Alcantara Is Heating Up — Just in Time for the Trade Deadline

Sandy Alcantara opened the 2025 season in a troubling slump, looking like a shadow of the Cy Young winner he once was. At one point, his ERA sat above 6.00, and the elite command and velocity that once defined his game had all but vanished. I dove into those early-season struggles in this in-depth analysis, breaking down the mechanical and approach-related issues that led to his rocky start.

I wrote an article breaking down what was wrong with him earlier in the season that you can read here.

But now? Sandy is back.

Over his last four starts — against playoff-caliber teams like the Braves and Phillies, as well as the Rockies and Pirates — Alcantara has posted a 2.74 ERA in 23 innings. He’s regained his feel for the strike zone, cut down on walks, and looked far more in control of the game. His fastball velocity has ticked back up, and he’s doing damage with his changeup again. Since June 1, he’s shaved two full runs off his ERA, reminding everyone why he was once among the best pitchers in the sport.

Perfect Timing — for Both Sandy and the Marlins

The timing couldn’t be better. According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Marlins are expected to field offers for Alcantara ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. And they’re not desperate sellers: if a team doesn’t meet their asking price, Miami is prepared to hold firm. With Sandy under contract through next season and a team option for 2027, they’re in a position of leverage.

That means no rental discount. Any team acquiring him is getting a legitimate top-of-the-rotation starter — not just for the stretch run, but potentially for multiple seasons.

Who’s Calling?

There’s a real market for pitching this year, and Alcantara could sit atop it. The contenders who fit the mold — teams that need an arm and have the prospect capital to make a deal — include:

• Blue Jays: In need of rotation stability and under pressure to make a playoff push (4.22 team ERA 23rd in baseball).

  • Martinez, 2B/3B

  • Trey Yesavage, RHP

  • Jake Bloss, RHP

  Cubs: Looking for another frontline starter to pair with Shota Imanaga and after Justin Steele’s injury.

  • Matt Shaw, INF (MLB No. 25)

  • Cade Horton, RHP (MLB No. 31)

  • Owen Caissie, OF (MLB No. 36)

  Dodgers: Always in the mix for elite talent, and their depth at the upper minors makes them a top candidate.

  • Dalton Rushing, C/OF (MLB No. 39)

  • Josue De Paula, OF (MLB No. 49)

  • River Ryan, RHP (MLB No. 65)

  Padres: They’ve been aggressive before and have been scouting pitching closely.

  • Ethan Salas, C (MLB No. 20)

  • Leodalis De Vries, SS (MLB No. 47)

  • Kash Mayfield, LHP

  Red Sox: Clinging to Wild Card relevance, but with enough top-end talent to swing a deal (best farm on this list).

  • Marcelo Mayer, SS (MLB No. 5)

  • Roman Anthony, OF (MLB No. 14)

  • Kyle Teel, C (MLB No. 27)

  Astros: Add a veteran Cy Young to Christian Javier, Hunter Brown, and Framber Valdez as they push to return to glory.

  • Jacob Melton, OF

  • Walker Janek, C

  • Brice Matthews, SS/3B

  Mets (My Favorite): They have the resources and a front office that’s shown it can pivot quickly, especially with recent injury to Griffin Canning.

  • Brandon Sproat, RHP (MLB No. 40)

  • Jett Williams, SS/OF (MLB No. 57)

  • Drew Gilbert, OF (MLB No. 82)

  Rays?!?: This is the best Rays team in a long time, and we know the depth of their farm. With Taj Bradley’s inconsistency and uncertainty surrounding Shane McClanahan, do the Rays try and make a run with the depth of their farm?

  • Carson Williams, SS (MLB No. 6)

  • Xavier Isaac, 1B (MLB No. 21)

Some have floated the Orioles as a possibility, but they simply aren’t playing competitive enough baseball right now to justify giving up key pieces of their farm system. If Miami holds until the winter, that door may open, but for now, Baltimore likely sits this one out.

For prospect rankings and scouting reports, A deep dive into each team’s updated Top 30 Prospects list

Analysis:

The Mets and Dodgers seem like the most aggressive fits due to their resources and recent trade tendencies, with the Cubs and Padres close behind if they prioritize a postseason push. The Rays are a wild card, but their conservative approach might keep them on the sidelines. Miami’s decision to trade Alcantara now or wait until the winter will hinge on the quality of prospect packages offered, with teams like the Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers likely able to meet their high asking price. No clear favorite has emerged, but the Mets’ urgency and prospect depth make them a slight frontrunner in my eyes.

Important to note the Marlins need to try and get three or more high end prospects in a deal for Alcantara. 

Every Start Matters Now

The Marlins will be closely monitoring every inning Alcantara throws from now through July. His next outing — Saturday, June 28, against Brandon Pfaadt and the Diamondbacks — will be another key data point. With many expected to be paying close attention and trade talks heating up, each pitch carries real weight.

The better Sandy pitches, the more Miami can ask for. And if he keeps this up, he won’t just be a trade chip — he might be the pitcher that shapes the playoff race.