Will the Miami Marlins trade their ace if he returns to Cy Young form? One MLB insider says Sandy Alcántara is working his way back this winter.
What might the future hold for Sandy Alcántara?
The Miami Marlins' ace and 2022 Cy Young winner hit 30 this past fall -- how long will he remain the face of a franchise that has one of the youngest rosters in the majors?
Alcántara is coming off the worst season of his career, with a 11-12 record and a 5.36 ERA, after missing the entire 2024 season to Tommy John surgery. As the Marlins lean younger, will this winter be a good time to move him?
The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, co-host of Foul Territory Network's "Fair Territory," said Tuesday he's not sure whether the Marlins would consider moving Alcántara before spring training, but as Alcántara pitches his way back into form and starts looking "like the old Sandy," Rosenthal said, "the Marlins are going to entertain offers -- that's what they do."
The veteran right-hander was added to the roster for the Dominican Republic team for the upcoming World Baseball Classic, the Dominican Baseball Federation announced this week.
The Marlins have already traded two of their projected starting pitchers, with Edward Cabrera going to the Chicago Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the New York Yankees.
If Miami weren't worried about making the playoffs in 2026, it would be logical to get a good deal on Alcántara before the season and further embrace a rebuild.
But Miami is building a pretty good team and is trying to win this year. True, this didn't stop the Marlins from trading Cabrera, who was the team's best starter in 2025.
But in that deal, the Marlins got a top-notch prospect in Owen Caissie, who is experienced enough to contribute right away this season.
This is an example of Miami rebuilding, but not rebuilding at the same time.
This is a Marlins team that should be cautious, considering its youth, but also should be looking to build off a surprisingly exciting 2025, when it won 17 more games than the previous year's 100-loss squad.
For Miami to take the next step, it would help if Alcántara pitched at least close to his Cy Young self.
The Marlins finished four games out of a wildcard spot last year, and one can only wonder how that might have changed if Alcántara pitched like an ace.
Rosenthal did note that if Alcántara is pitching well and the Marlins aren't winning by the trade deadline, he could become available.
But for right now, it seems Alcántara is staying put.
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