The Los Angeles Dodgers lifted the 2024 World Series trophy and they wasted no time gearing up for a repeat in 2025. That vision came with a cost. The cost of stacking their bullpen like a championship deck of big names. The Dodgers acquired Blake Snell, Tanner Scott, Kirby Yates and more last off-season just to prevent entering the trade deadline short on healthy pitchers.
Despite these high-profile acquisitions, the team still somehow found itself with around 14 pitchers on the injured list. After Tyler Glasnow and Blake Snell, Roki Sasaki is also sidelined. Before the All-Star break, Glasnow will be starting for the Dodgers. Meanwhile, Snell will probably return in July. And Sasaki won’t be returning until August. He’s now been moved to a 60 days injured list.
Consequently, the Dodgers only have Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw and Yoshinobu Yamamoto in the name of healthy starters. Additionally, Shohei Ohtani has also returned to pitching and will gradually pitch for longer innings. Roberts is overall happy with the starters. “I think the starters are looking good.” However, there’s no certainty on how long the healthy starters’ trio will hold up. As a result, the front office will be exploring the trade market aggressively.
For the Dodgers, Japanese outlet Abema named some potential candidates to target at this deadline. These candidates are Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley, Angels’ Tyler Anderson, Marlins’ Sandy Alcantara and Astros’ Framber Valdez. However, for manager Dave Roberts, there’s only one name that makes sense but there is uncertainty around him as well. “Alcantara is a trade candidate, but I don’t know where he’ll go,” said Roberts.
If Alcantara becomes a possibility, then he might also meet the Dodgers’ priority at this deadline. “If we were to do anything, we’d probably add another pitcher to the bullpen.” For the record, Dodgers’ relief pitchers have pitched the most innings this season.
If Alcantara ever lands with the Dodgers, he seems to be a perfect fit. He had a slow start this season due to Tommy John surgery. But entering June, across four outings, he has recorded a 2.74 ERA with a 3.20 FIP.
Now, it’s up to the Miami Marlins if they are willing to trade him and Alcantara himself on where he wishes to go. In fact, the Dodgers aren’t the only ones eyeing him.
Except for Dodgers, Alcantara is also a target for the Chicago Cubs
Throughout the 2025 season, the Chicago Cubs have been one of the most consistent teams. With their winning mindset, the front office wants to go all aggressive at this trade deadline. Jed Hoyer—the president of baseball operations—is set to actively explore the market for an elite arm for the team’s starting rotation.
As per Bob Nightengale from USA Today, the Chicago Cubs have targeted Sandy Alcantara. The team has been keeping a close watch on him. For the record, there was a time earlier this season when Alcantara’s ERA spiked to 8.00. However, the former Cy Young Winner has been back in his prime as he has gone 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA across 23 innings since 3rd June.
Moreover, the Cubs have traded away third baseman Issac Paredes and outfielder Cam Smith just to get their hands on the right fielder Kyle Tucker. And now, they don’t want to miss out on anything that pushes them one step back from the postseason.
The 29-year-old is in his third year of his $56 million, five-year contract with the Miami Marlins. He is currently very attractive to all the clubs across the league.
The Cubs have been leading their division since the first week of April. Now, after losing Justin Steele to a brutal season-ending injury, the team is desperate for another arm.
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