MLB Execs Name Sandy Alcantara, Luis Robert Jr. as Most Likely to Be Traded at Deadlin

With the Miami Marlins and Chicago White Sox expected to be among the worst teams in MLB this season, it's not a surprise that opposing clubs are keeping an eye on them as having two of the most likely trade chips.

In a survey of MLB executives and scouts conducted by ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara and White Sox outfielder Luis Robert Jr. were voted as the players most likely to be dealt before the July 31 trade deadline.

Alcántara received nine of the 18 votes, followed by Robert with five. St. Louis Cardinals teammates Ryan Helsley (three) and Nolan Arenado (one) were the only other players to receive votes.

Given how the Marlins operate, there's a sound argument that Alcántara would have been traded at some point last year if he had been healthy. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner missed all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2023.

Craig Mish of SportsGrid reported last August that the Marlins told Alcántara he wouldn't be traded in the offseason, but president of baseball operations Peter Bendix didn't completely rule it out a few months later.

"You said it: We never rule out anything. We listen to everything," Bendix told Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald in December. "Sandy is a really important piece for our organization. I'm really excited to see him pitch on Opening Day."

Alcántara made his return to the mound on Thursday as Miami's Opening Day starter. He struck out seven and walked four with two runs allowed in 4.2 innings in the Marlins' 5-4 walk-off win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Miami's 2025 payroll is an MLB-low $67.9 million. Alcántara accounts for more than 25 percent of that total with a $17.3 million salary. No other player on the roster is making more than $3.5 million.

The Athletics were facing a potential grievance from the MLBPA in the offseason over their lack of spending relative to their local revenue sharing income before they shelled out several big-money contracts, so it's hard to see how the Marlins have avoided skirting the issue.

If Alcántara stays healthy and pitches anywhere near the level he was at in 2022, he could certainly fetch a significant return in a trade for the Marlins. The right-hander is only 29 and under contract through 2026 with a $21 million team option for 2027.

It's a bit surprising that Robert hasn't been traded by the White Sox yet. He did miss two months early in the 2024 season due to a hip injury that clearly impacted his play, likely causing his trade value to dip prior to the deadline last year.

Robert is in the final guaranteed season of his contract with a $15 million salary. His deal also includes two team option years with $20 million salaries in 2026 and 2027.

When Robert has been healthy, he's been a very productive hitter. The 27-year-old hit .287/.331/.511 with an average of 21 homers per season from 2021 to '23.