Could the Marlins finally be ready to stop the trade rumors surrounding Sandy Alcantara? Bruce Sherman may have just revealed the biggest clue yet, and it could signal a major shift for both the ace and the franchise's future.
Is Bruce Sherman about to open the wallet, end the trade rumors, and lock up one of the most important players in Miami Marlins franchise history? That’s the way it sounds.
Sandy Alcantara, the former Cy Young winner and franchise strikeout leader, has a $21 million club option for 2022, and if he’s not extended, will become an unrestricted free agent in 2028. Like clockwork over the past few seasons, when the trade deadlines approach, the Marlins’ workhorse name is floated out.
But it appears all that is about to come to an end, not because Miami traded Alcantara, but because the words of the Marlins owner in an interview with the team’s radio network seem to suggest otherwise.
“He's our franchise icon,” Sherman said. “I look forward to the many years in the future and what this all becomes.”
A 20-win June, the second-highest monthly win total in franchise history, has shifted the outlook on the 2026 season from disappointment to optimism.
And after Sherman’s comments on Marlin’s radio, the question has to be asked: Is the success pushing ownership from sellers to buyers at the trade deadline? Has the continued production of the young, cheap, and still-developing done enough to justify adding pieces at the deadline to see “what this all becomes?”
If it is, that could be very good news for fans and players inside the clubhouse; not only could reinforcement be on the way, but one of the leaders and beloved players could be here to stay. Being a leader is something Alcantara works hard at and takes pride in.
“We've got to keep trusting the process,” Alcantara said. “Being a franchise leader is always great for me.”
Since becoming a consistent fixture in the starting rotation, Alcantara has strived to give the organization his best while maintaining a positive approach, even when seasons haven’t gone as planned.
“I always trust myself, putting a lot of positive things about myself out there. I'm happy the way that I've been doing my best in this organization.” Alcantara said. “Hopefully I get to keep doing my thing here.”
The 30-year-old is 9–4 this season with a 4.20 ERA, having pitched 115.2 innings so far. He’s recorded 12 quality starts in 18 outings this season. A quality start is going at least six innings pitched with three or fewer earned runs allowed.
In his nine-year MLB career, Alcantara has thrown 1191, recording 107 quality starts in 187 outings with a 3.70 ERA and 1015 strikeouts.
Whether an extension gets done remains to be seen, but Sherman’s comments have brought hope that Alcantara’s future is in South Florida. If the Marlins plan to keep the face of their franchise, the next step is building a roster around him that can contend consistently.
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