It’s hard to ignore the buzz surrounding Sandy Alcántara and the Miami Marlins as they navigate a pivotal moment in their franchise’s journey. Alcántara, who took home the National League Cy Young Award in 2022, is a name that commands respect across Major League Baseball. After a stellar season, he faced setbacks in 2023 due to elbow issues, culminating in Tommy John surgery that kept him sidelined for all of 2024. Now, however, the ace seems to be back to his dynamic self, showcasing the electric fastball and impressive offspeed pitches that made him a household name just a few years ago.
With the Marlins having already made significant roster changes over the past year, the notion that they might move Alcántara feels like a natural progression in their rebuilding efforts. Trading their star pitcher could signify a commitment to a deeper, more strategic reset, aiming for the long-term health of the franchise.
Recently, a provocative trade proposal emerged from Bleacher Report, suggesting a blockbuster deal that would send Alcántara to the Chicago Cubs. Imagine the implications of such a move: Alcántara in the Windy City could transform the Cubs’ rotation, especially as they gear up for an ambitious 2025 season.
In this hypothetical trade, the Cubs would likely send over some promising players, including the versatile righty, Assad, who had a respectable 3.73 ERA over 147 innings last year. The main attractions, though, would be two rising stars with bright futures: Ballesteros, who projects to have a high batting average, and Alcántara, known for his power and speed. It’s worth noting that while these players might struggle for playing time in Chicago, they could find their footing in Miami, where the focus would shift to rebuilding.
Additionally, to sweeten the deal and make it more palatable for the Marlins, the Cubs might need to include another top prospect. Owen Caissie’s name has been thrown into the mix, and adding him could make this ambitious trade much more realistic.
For the Cubs, acquiring Alcántara could be the final piece of their plan to compete now, holding the potential for three strong years with the flamethrowing righty anchoring the rotation. As the offseason heats up, keep an eye on these developments; changes like this can shape the future for both teams significantly.
