MLB Execs Reportedly Expect Marlins' Sandy Alcantara to Be Traded at 2025 Deadline

Most MLB executives reportedly believe that Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcántara will be dealt prior to the July 31 trade deadline, per The Athletic's Jim Bowden.

"The Marlins will have to get a significant prospect package in return to trade him now, because if they don’t get the right offer or if Alcantara falters, they can always wait until the offseason or the 2026 trade deadline," Bowden wrote. "Most execs believe he will be moved at this deadline though."

On the surface, dealing Alcántara at the deadline would be a puzzling move. This has been a difficult year for Alcántara in his first season back after missing all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow. He's posted a 6.98 ERA (1.48 WHIP) over 16 starts, striking out 63 batters in 80 innings.

In theory, the Marlins could wait a bit before trading the 29-year-old, who is under contract through 2026 with a team option for 2027. But it seems that he could be gone by the end of the month. Bowden explained the scenario.

"Alcantara was the player mentioned the most overall — by far. That was fascinating to me because he’s 4-8 with a 6.98 ERA and I doubt the Marlins would get the requisite value for him if they traded him now. Instead, they could wait until the offseason to cash-in, perhaps after he’s had a strong August and September. However, several execs pointed to the fact that he pitched better in June and seems to be healthy and getting closer to top form."

Three years ago, Alcántara won the National League Cy Young award after posting a 2.28 ERA and striking out 207 batters over 32 starts. He's a staff ace, even if that form hasn't been shown in a few years. Still, Alcántara is an intriguing talent potentially under team control through 2027, so it's not much of a surprise that he's highly sought after this summer.