The 2025 MLB trade deadline is approaching its conclusion, and buzz around pitching reinforcements is approaching frenzy. Everyone has been kept on their toes, and two of the game’s biggest franchises- the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox- have positioned themselves for a potential blockbuster.
It’s not just about depth, but also acquiring someone who makes a difference. So with those stats of 848 SOs and over 1.46 WHIPs in the 2025 regular season itself, one particular 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner is under spotlight for both powerhouses- and it’s exactly who you might think.
Chances of trade for Dominican pitcher Sandy Alcantara appear to be as high as 60%, the former Cy Young winner also having been been recipient of multiple All-Star selections since his debut with the Cardinals in 2017 and his subsequent trade to the Miami Marlins. The ESPN trade deadline candidate list states the Cubs, Houston, Boston, San Diego- and of course the Dodgers and the Red Sox- as “best fits” for Alcantara; the Marlins’ ace could headline the biggest pitching deal of the summer as one of the top potentially-available arms.
Additionally, Alcantara has been arguably the best 2022 pitcher, with more solid 4.14 ERAS in 2023. He did miss 2024 though, owing to the Tommy John surgery and rehab from October of 2023. However, he’s been tinkering around this season to try to get those pitch mix and locations right- and it’s starting to look as though he is turning the corner towards mid-rotation starter status (or better!).
This comes just as he posts a 2.74 ERA once again in four June outings, as well. The Marlins should hold onto him till winter- this is when teams like Baltimore would be more inclined to acquire him (within the final two years of his contract)- and they seem to be under zero pressure to move him. Additionally, said contract pays Alcantara under $17 million per year at the moment- a bargain in the current pitching market.
What Makes Sandy Alcantara The Perfect Fit for the Dodgers – Red Sox Playoff Push
Onto Boston and LA. The Red Sox are currently in reshuffle mode- they’ve recently traded Rafael Devers to the Giants. The playoffs still have their interest, but they lack the frontline pitching in place behind young and esteemed Brayan Bello. Sandy Alcantara would provide an immediate veteran presence and innings into deep rotation here, despite not even being among the oldest league players; he would be rotation insurance. Boston definitely has the prospect capital to work this deal, too. If the Marlins’ prices get lower nearing the deadline, the Red Sox may just prefer a lower tier package based on MLB-ready pieces.
Credit: AP Photo/Mike Carlson
The Dodgers, on the other hand, remain one injury away from vulnerability despite their star status. Shohei Ohtani’s return to the mound has been very carefully managed, and postseason depth is still a concern. Alcantara’s high-velocity sinker may suit Dodger Stadium stylistically, favoring their rotation. His affordable $56 million Arbitration Extension contract through 2027 could tempt the LA front office. He would provide what LA wants- postseason experience under control.
Competition is not exclusively between LA and Boston, though- the Orioles, Padres and Blue Jays are also eyeing the star. Few teams, however, own both the payroll and the prospect depth to parry like the Dodgers and Red Sox can. With only a month before the deadline, the Marlins seem willing to let the bidding play out. If Alcantara trends upwards again in July, the Dodgers – Red Sox deadline standoff might turn into a two-giant arms race.
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