Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor Show Support for Mets to Pursue Sandy Alcantara Trade

Three New York Mets players—outfielders Juan Soto and Starling Marte and shortstop Francisco Lindor—expressed to Mike Puma of the New York Post that they would like to see their team pursue Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara if he became available.

Alcantara started against the Mets on Tuesday, earning the win after tossing five innings of two-run ball while striking out four in a 4-2 Miami victory.

The two-time All-Star, who won the 2022 National League Cy Young award, has returned to the mound this year after missing all of last season due to Tommy John surgery.

Alcantara is in the fourth season of a five-year, $56 million contract. The Marlins also hold a team option for the 2027 season.

Even though he could be under team control for three more seasons, trade rumors and speculation have persisted, in part because Miami is once again undergoing a massive rebuilding process.

"Teams are already wondering whether Alcantara will be available at the trade deadline with the Marlins far from contending and his contract running through 2026 with a club option for 2027," ESPN's Jeff Passan stated on March 5.

As Christina De Nicola of MLB.com noted, the Marlins struck an early deal last season, sending Luis Arráez to the San Diego Padres on May 4, 2024.

Regarding the possibility of another early deal this season should the right offer come along, Marlins president Peter Bendix had this to say on March 29.

“We're always open to anything that is going to make our organization better,” Bendix said. “It's unusual for there to be moves like that, right? But obviously, we're open-minded to it.”

It would probably take a lot for any team to land Alcantara, even if he did miss all of last year. At his best, he's one of the top aces in the league. If he finds anything close to his 2022 form, then he's potentially going to be one of the top players available.

Ultimately, that has to intrigue the Mets, who made a monstrous splash for Soto (15 years, $765 million) but could use more pitching help. New York already faces an uphill battle to win the pennant in a brutally tough NL featuring the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres and Philadelphia Phillies, so adding an ace like Alcantara would be a huge help.

For now, it doesn't appear that Alcantara is going anywhere, but he's certainly a name to watch as the season continues.