The hot stove is heating up around Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. The 2022 National League Cy Young winner, who missed the entire 2024 campaign following Tommy John surgery, could be on the move as he prepares to return to the mound with an innings limit to start the year. Barring any setbacks, Alcantara could be fully unleashed for October baseball if he lands with a playoff contender.
The financial picture adds another layer of intrigue: Alcantara is owed $17.3 million in both 2025 and 2026, with a $21 million club option (or $2 million buyout) for 2027. That’s a bargain rate for a pitcher with his pedigree.
With MLB insider Jon Paul Morosi suggesting an Alcantara deal will materialize by the trade deadline — and MLB Network analyst Harold Reynolds going even bolder with an Opening Day prediction — here are six destinations where the 29-year-old ace could land in 2025.
Baltimore Orioles
A Baltimore-Miami trade for Alcantara practically writes itself. The O’s desperately need a legitimate frontline starter after watching Corbin Burnes walk to Arizona, and they possess the prospect gold mine — headlined by blue-chippers Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo — to entice the Marlins. The timing aligns perfectly with Baltimore’s championship window, and Alcantara’s potential team control through 2027 means this wouldn’t just be a one-year rental — it could be the missing championship piece for a franchise that’s gone a frustrating 0-5 in postseason games over the past two seasons.
Related: MLB insider expects 29-year-old Cy Young winner to be traded before Opening Day
Boston Red Sox
After making waves by acquiring southpaw ace Garrett Crochet this offseason, imagine the statement Boston would make pairing him with Alcantara atop their rotation. The one-two punch would instantly transform the Red Sox into legitimate World Series threats in the ultracompetitive AL East. While top-tier prospects Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, and Marcelo Mayer likely remain untouchable, Boston could still construct an enticing package built around promising youngsters like Triston Casas, Franklin Arias and Yoelin Cespedes. For a franchise looking to recapture their championship identity, Alcantara represents exactly the type of bold move that could electrify Fenway.
New York Mets
The Mets made the ultimate splash by landing Juan Soto for a record-breaking $765 million, but he can’t take the mound every fifth day. With their current rotation in disarray — Frankie Montas sidelined until late May, Sean Manaea out until late April, and converted reliever Clay Holmes still adapting to starting — Steve Cohen’s championship aspirations need an ace. New York’s revamped farm system offers intriguing trade chips like Ronny Mauricio, LuisAngel Acuna, and Jett Williams that could form the backbone of a package to bring Alcantara’s electric arsenal to Queens.
Related: New York Mets executive reveals 3 elite prospects that will soon be on fan’s radar
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs have methodically upgraded across the board — Kyle Tucker boosting the lineup, Matthew Boyd strengthening the rotation, and Ryan Pressly solidifying the bullpen. What’s missing? That true difference-maker at the top of the rotation who can anchor a playoff series. Adding Alcantara to complement Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, and Jameson Taillon would instantly give Chicago one of the NL’s most formidable starting staffs. While prospect Matt Shaw likely remains off-limits, a competitive package featuring James Triantos, Owen Caissie, and Moises Ballesteros could tempt Miami in a division where bold moves could completely reshape the wide-open NL Central race.
Related: Five burning questions for Chicago Cubs as they chase NL Central crown in 2025
San Francisco Giants
The Giants’ rotation took a devastating hit when Blake Snell opted out and signed with the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. They turned to 42-year-old Justin Verlander in hopes he will bounce back from an injury-plagued 2024. For San Francisco to remain relevant in the NL West gauntlet, they need another frontline arm alongside Logan Webb and Robbie Ray. While untouchable top prospect Bryce Eldridge won’t be in play, an Alcantara trade built around promising prospects like pitcher Carson Whisenhunt and outfielder James Tibbs III could give the Giants the rotation firepower they desperately need to hang with their loaded California rivals.
Related: San Francisco Giants surprising favorites to trade for four-time All-Star
Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers shocked the baseball world last year making the playoffs. They would go on to sweep the Houston Astros in the Wild Card round before pushing the Cleveland Guardians to five games in the ALDS. With unanimous AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal already anchoring a promising staff featuring the recently-signed Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, Casey Mize, and rising phenom Jackson Jobe, adding Alcantara would create perhaps baseball’s most dangerous rotation. Detroit’s farm system boasts enticing trade pieces in Kevin McGonigle, Bryce Rainer, and Thayron Liranzo that could form the foundation of a deal that transforms the Tigers from playoff surprise into legitimate pennant contender.
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