Is it true that every time you hear ‘Miami Marlins’, you automatically think of ‘Sandy Alcantara’? Well, who wouldn’t? After all, Alcantara is making $17.3 million this season and will earn the same in 2026 as well. His deal is also inclusive of a cap-friendly $21 million club option in 2027. Then, his ability to log innings and maintain consistency has been one of his strongest selling points. If he manages to stay off the injured list this summer, he will probably be the most coveted trade candidate available. And guess what? While all the front offices are circling his name, there’s another bullpen arm that MLB teams might be missing out on.
According to Tim Kelly from Bleacher Report, he has exactly what a contending team requires to earn a postseason spot. It’s none other than Miami Marlins’ star Anthony Bender. He’s flawlessly standing out with a strong 2025 season so far. And will continue to do so. Bender was on the sidelines for the entire 2023 season as he underwent Tommy John surgery.
When he made a comeback in 2024, he recorded a 4.08 ERA over 59 appearances. But here’s the real twist: apparently, his 2.92 FIP from last season says that he was much better than what his ERA shows. And Bender’s 2025 performance has backed that fact up.
Well, Bender might not come off as a flashy pitcher, but if you look under the surface, he’s solid. He throws a blend of sinker, slider, and changeup. At times, he occasionally throws a mid-90s fastball that stuns the hitters. Incredible, right? There is another fact that makes him exceptionally attractive for teams that require bullpen help. It’s just that he will be under team control throughout the 2027 season. Additionally, Bender has two extra years of arbitration left after the 2025 season. So, he is getting just as much attention when the trade deadline is around the corner.
As teams begin to zero in on potential trade targets for the 2025 season, one name keeps popping into everyone’s mind- Sandy Alcántara.
When is Sandy Alcantara expected to be traded off from the Marlins?
You must be keeping regular tabs on the 2025 MLB season. And if you are, there is this one name that you would have surely heard when it comes to the trade deadline. It’s none other than Sandy Alcantara. If a pitcher like him hits free agency, it creates a solid buzz in the entire league. All MLB teams start doing the math in order to get him in. But eventually the question arises: who is he going to choose?
The whole point here isn’t about ‘if’ the Marlins would decide to trade their ace, but ‘when’ exactly? You see, the Marlins have found themselves in familiar territory once again. Any guesses? Yes, it’s their losing cycle. They had a great start earlier this season, but not anymore.
Marlins’ insiders within the organization were just trying to stay cool after some impressive series victories. But the reality kicked in just recently. It was just one soaring home run that helped them escape losing six back-to-back games. Ultimately, the Marlins’ front office will be exploring getting in young players by trading their veterans. The Marlins believe it will help them create a strong lineup for the future.
It’s almost not required to mention that each team in the league would be happy to have Alcántara. The New York Mets, for instance, are in search of reliable starters to complement their existing staff, having previously shown interest in players like Framber Valdez and Luis Castillo. Then, there are the Baltimore Orioles and San Francisco Giants looking to enhance their playoff aspirations. The matter of fact is, losing Alcántara could be depressing for the Marlins. At least for some time.
Currently, the word out there is that the Chicago Cubs will be the best fit for Alcantara. Why exactly? Simply because the Cubs have already lost a key piece of their team for this season. Justin Steele’s temporary exit might urge the Cubs to get Alcantara in. It’s safe to say it will be a win-win situation for both teams and Alcantara alike. But, will they pursue a heavy rebuild, or just a reload with key trades? Share your thoughts with us.
The post MLB Teams Urged to Trade for THIS Marlins Pitcher if They Want to Make Post-Season and It’s Not Sandy Alcántara appeared first on EssentiallySports.
