Spring was expected to bring Steele and sunlight. Instead, the Cubs are left out in the cold, furiously seeking arms. The news that left-handed pitcher Justin Steele would have season-ending elbow surgery has damaged the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 season. Late last season, Steele suffered from elbow tendinitis, which flared up on Monday during his start against the Rangers. And the MRI reports confirmed the necessity of the surgery.
So, the Cubs are now trying to get a guy who is wanted by almost every team.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today connected the dots after the news broke on who could be the potential player to fill the void. And one name showing up in trade talks is Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins.
Nightengale posted on his X handle, “The Cubs’ search for a front-line starter begins immediately with the Miami Marlins having the pitcher every team wants in Sandy Alcantara.” Former Cy Young Award winner Alcantara is open for trade and has been a notable performer. His arrival would provide the Cubs a strong presence at the top of their rotation, filling in for Steele’s absence and complementing current skill.
The Cubs’ search for a front-line starter begins immediately with the Miami Marlins having the pitcher every team wants in Sandy Alcantara. https://t.co/2kvvLJfAx4
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) April 13, 2025
Steele’s injury timing couldn’t be worse for the Chicago Cubs. Establishing himself as the staff’s backbone, a dependable force at the top of the rotation, he proved his value to the club’s early success with a 4.76 ERA and a 3-1 record in his four starts this season. Since his injury, the Cubs have looked at ways to strengthen their rotation, and now, the Marlins pitcher might be someone suitable.
Alcantara is useful for more than just filling in for Steele. Even though he missed the 2024 season due to TJ surgery, he’s made a strong comeback so far—his first pitch in spring training was a 99-mph fastball. His work ethic and ability to lead could help the Cubs’ younger pitchers learn how to do their jobs. He would bring both skill and experience to the clubhouse.
The Chicago Cubs’ rotation puzzle: Alcantara or plan B?
On a financial level, Alcantara’s deal is considered reasonable. He owes $56 million by 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027. Given their difficulties and possible tilt toward rebuilding, trading Alcantara could help the Marlins find prospects or controlled young players. For the Cubs, the expenditure aligns with their goal of maintaining financial flexibility and assembling outstanding players.
However, the Chicago Cubs have other pitching choices on their radar. If Alcantara proves too expensive or the Marlins’ demands are too high.
Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays offers one substitute. McClanahan, like Alcantara, is healing from Tommy John surgery but has performed brilliantly in spring training. Should the Cubs discover they cannot satisfy Alcantara’s contract requirements, McClanahan might provide them a more reasonably priced front-line choice. His possible availability might give the Cubs’ rotation some much-needed variation.
Starting 2025 strong and with a commanding sweep of the Dodgers, the Cubs gave early hope to their supporters. With Steele absent, casting a shadow, the front office has to move quickly. Whether it’s Alcantara, McClanahan, or an internal promotion like Horton, the Chicago Cubs must balance short-term performance needs against long-term goals and budgetary consequences.
Alcantara is ultimately the most effective fit, but the clock is running out, and the North Siders cannot afford to trip when negotiating this rotational challenge.
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