April may still be early in the MLB season, but the trade rumors surrounding Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara are already heating up. Analyst David Schoenfield has pointed to four teams that could be primed to make a move for the former Cy Young winner: the Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Texas Rangers. Each of these franchises offers a unique opportunity for Alcantara, who is more than just a rental player; with a contract running through 2026 and a club option for 2027, he could provide stability and excellence to any contending rotation.
As the Marlins continue their rebuilding efforts, it seems increasingly likely that they will look to deal Alcantara this season. When you consider the perennial contenders like the Yankees and Red Sox, it’s no surprise they come up frequently in these discussions. However, the inclusion of the Rangers is noteworthy. They could greatly benefit from pairing Alcantara with ace Jacob deGrom, turning their pitching staff into a formidable force.
Now let’s focus on the Cubs, who currently find themselves in a winnable National League Central division. Holding onto first place with a 14-10 record, they are certainly in contention. However, the Cubs could significantly bolster their chances with a pitching upgrade, especially in light of the recent news that Justin Steele will miss the season due to injury. While the emergence of Shota Imanaga and the pleasant surprise that has been Matthew Boyd provide some coverage, adding a talent like Alcantara could take them to the next level.
It’s important to note that the Cubs won’t have the market to themselves. The race for Alcantara could attract interest from more than just the four teams currently mentioned, making it a competitive landscape leading up to the trade deadline. Nevertheless, if the Cubs can craft a compelling offer, they might just land one of the best pitchers in the game, giving them a substantial edge in their quest for postseason glory. The stakes are high, and as the trade chatter builds, all eyes will be on how this saga unfolds in the coming months.
