The Marlins have never shied away from tough decisions when it comes to maximizing value, even if it means parting with homegrown stars. From Miguel Cabrera to Giancarlo Stanton, their history is littered with bold, often controversial trades aimed at reshaping the future. Now, they may be approaching another franchise-defining crossroads. Sitting on a potential gold mine in veteran right-hander Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins hold one of the most coveted arms in baseball. A former Cy Young winner on a team-friendly deal, poised to return from Tommy John surgery in 2025.
With contending teams always in search of controllable frontline pitching, Miami could soon find itself at the center of the league’s next blockbuster bidding war. While a trade for Alcantara is almost certain, will it be sooner or not? ESPN’s Buster Olney is not seeing any trading happening shortly. Why?
Because Sandy Alcantara’s early 2025 outings haven’t gone as hoped. Through six starts, the 2x All-Star has logged just 26 innings with a 2–3 record. That too with an uncharacteristic 8.31 ERA, and a 1.654 WHIP. It’s a far cry from his Cy Young-caliber form, but it’s also a reminder of the reality many pitchers face after Tommy John surgery. Recovery doesn’t end when they return to the mound — regaining command, velocity, and rhythm often takes months. For Alcantara, the road back is still unfolding.
“I’ve had this conversation with executives: they want to see something,” Olney said in his podcast. “They want to see some sign that he’s capable of being Sandy of the past.
Well, any potential trade involving Alcantara is unlikely to happen overnight. Given Alcantara’s recent return from Tommy John surgery and the rough start to his 2025 campaign, interested teams will want a longer look before committing significant assets. Front offices will be monitoring his velocity, command, and durability closely. They will thus wait to see signs that he’s returning to form before entering serious trade talks. For now, patience will be the Marlins’ greatest leverage. Why? Because the better Alcantara looks as the season progresses, the higher his value climbs.
From the Marlins’ perspective, holding onto Alcantara — at least for now — might be the most prudent move. The team is already struggling in the early stages of the season. So, trading their ace while his value is temporarily low would be shortsighted. If Alcantara regains his form, he not only boosts his trade value but also gives the Marlins a stabilizing presence in the rotation.
The Marlins are following the same script
The Marlins currently occupy a familiar spot in the standings: 12–18 and sitting in fifth place in the NL East. It’s a position that reflects both the team’s ongoing struggles and the uphill battle they face in a stacked division. With postseason hopes already fading, Miami is entering a crucial evaluation period — not just for their roster, but for their long-term direction. Decisions about veterans like Alcantara will shape the franchise’s trajectory, whether they choose to reload or rebuild.
Much like the rest of the roster, the Marlins’ pitching staff has underwhelmed in the early going. Injuries, inconsistency, and a lack of depth have all contributed to a rotation that ranks near the bottom of the National League in ERA and innings pitched. Alcantara’s struggles have been compounded by the absence of young arms like Eury Perez, who is out for the season following elbow surgery, and Jesus Luzardo’s inconsistency. The bullpen has offered little stability, often faltering in high-leverage situations.
For a franchise that has historically leaned on pitching as its backbone, 2025 has so far exposed just how thin that foundation has become.
Will the Marlins still risk letting Alcantara go? Let’s wait and watch how things unfold. Do you think the Marlins should hold Alcantara for this season?
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