The countdown to the trade deadline has begun, and clubhouses are looking to fill in the gaps. Amid all the players, the 29-year-old former Cy Young winner is making headlines. The Dodgers had him on their radar from the very start. But now the word is out that the Astros might also go after him.
The Houston Astros are at the top with a 56-40 record, but beneath that, there’s a list of IL. Not one or two but seven pitchers are in the IL. Hayden Wesneski and Ronel Blanco had elbow surgery that ended their seasons. Spencer Arrighetti broke his thumb, and pitchers Cristian Javier, Dubin, Luis Garcia, and J.P. France are still out. A crisis that needed to be fixed. And this Marlins pitcher seems to be a good solution.
The pitcher in the centre of the discussion is Sandy Alcantara. Nick Villano of FanSided wrote in his column, “A team is going to look at Alcantara and think they can fix him. His issue is command, something he had just a few years ago. How can he get it back? He needs a great pitching coach. The Houston Astros would be a really interesting destination.”
Well, if there’s an issue, why would clubhouses look for him? His four-seam and sinker speeds are still among the greatest in the game. He had a 7.22 ERA and a 4-9 record this season, but he showed signs of being better before he started to have problems again. What was the issue? The inconsistent command. His walk rate has gone up to 14.2%, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio has gone down from 4.1 to 1.1 after his return from Tommy John surgery. But it can be fixed like Villano mentioned, “he needs a great pitching coach.”
But the Astros aren’t the only ones looking for him. The Dodgers are also eyeing him. Why? The injury bug! Tyler Glasnow has been placed on the 60-day IL with shoulder issues. Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki, Tony Gonsolin, and River Ryan are also dealing with injuries and rehab. While Glasnow’s return may help, the team remains in the bottom third for ERA and needs a reliable pitcher to ease the burden on the bullpen.
When questioned about trade options, earlier manager Dave Roberts said, “Alcantara is a trade candidate, but I don’t know where he’ll go.”
With both teams circling him, a voice from the MLB insider’s office just shared a worrisome situation. And that can hold the Marlins from trading him.
As teams circle, Nightengale notes Marlins might keep slumping Alcantara
As the trade deadline approaches, teams like the Astros and Dodgers are looking at Sandy Alcantara. However, insiders say that things aren’t as straightforward as they seem behind the scenes.
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins poses for a portrait at Roger Dean Stadium on February 19, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
The Marlins are starting to hold off, states Bob Nightengale: “Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara may not be traded if he continues to struggle.” He was pointing out that his 7.22 ERA and recent poor patches (19 runs in 18 innings) are making Miami think twice.
Understandably, they are hesitant. Contenders need rotation help, but Alcantara’s extended slump is making teams think twice. He used to be a sure thing trade target, but now he’s more of a risky reclamation project. Rival executives are warning that getting him may be very hazardous.
But the basic idea is still there: a few mechanical changes may bring that ace back to life. He still has great stuff and can pitch a lot of innings, which is precisely what contenders want. But until he does it again, Miami could be smart to hold on to him and allow his value to go back up instead of selling him for a low price.
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