As the MLB trade deadline for 2025 approaches, one question looms large: Where are the starting pitchers? It’s not for a lack of available talent, is it? The market for top-of-the-rotation starters has been unnaturally quiet for weeks. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal discussed just why that is the case in a recent appearance on Foul Territory.
When asked about the lack of movement of the starting pitchers, Rosenthal was blunt. “No starting pitchers, really,” he began. “My understanding is the prices on all those guys, according to the people trying to get them, are sky high. And maybe that’s why there hasn’t been any deals of note with starting pitchers of any consequence yet.”
Well, there have been speculations swirling around the likes of Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly, but still, no name has captured the buzz more than Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, the former Cy Young winner. However, just when it looked like a deal for Alcantara was off the table, things took a turn.
In a surprising update, another MLB insider, Jim Bowden, dropped a bombshell on the Foul Territory. “Everything changes, right? We get so many twists and turns at the trade deadline. It’s fascinating for me, and I have really enjoyed the ride. Last weekend, I was being told that Alcantara’s probably not going to be moved because nobody was valuing him even close to what he was in 2023 when he won the NL Cy Young award,” Bowden explained, before further adding, “Well, everything has changed. Somebody stepped up yesterday and made an offer that has motivated the Miami Marlins… there may be two teams. I know there’s one, but there may be two, and now, in all likelihood, he is going to get moved tomorrow. So, it’s going to be fascinating to see who’s going to pay.”
A mystery team recently stepped up and made a motivating offer to the Marlins for Sandy Alcántara, according to @JimBowdenGM.
“In all likelihood, he’s going to get moved tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/XQkdvFTN5E
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 30, 2025
This fresh update by Bowden has put the likes of the Dodgers and the Red Sox in a tense waiting game. The Red Sox are battling for a Wild Card berth and need another reliable starter. They have been interested in Alcantara, but reportedly, there is a significant difference between what Boston is offering to pay and what Miami demands for their ace.
As reported by Mass Live, just ten days ago, the Red Sox told the Marlins not to trade Alcantara without checking with them first. However, communication between the two teams dwindled afterwards, possibly due to the Marlins’ steep asking price of at least two elite prospects.
The Dodgers need a rotation arm, too. Their staff has been plagued by injuries all season. President of Baseball Operations Andrew Friedman said the team “will be aggressive to add” if necessary. “Alcantara is the man they want,” writes USA TODAY’s Bob Nightengale. Yet the Marlins’ asking price, reportedly “two elite prospects plus,” is a big obstacle. A trade would probably cost the Dodgers a top prospect like Dalton Rushing or Josue De Paula, a high price for a pitcher who is still finding his form after surgery.
But all of a sudden, now, a motivated buyer has upended this trade saga. Now the question is – who is it?
Who could be the potential suitors for Sandy Alacantra?
The Chicago Cubs have been one of the most frequently mentioned teams. They desperately need a starting pitcher. Their own ace, Justin Steele, is likely to miss the beginning of the 2026 season as he recovers from Tommy John surgery. Alcantara, on a long-term deal, would offer some rotation certainty. Word is circling around that a trade package could focus on top outfield prospect Owen Caissie. The Cubs have the desire and the resources to complete a trade, positioning them as an obvious match for the former Cy Young winner.
The San Diego Padres are another team crippled by pitching injuries. Their rotation has been dismantled as Joe Musgrove and Jhony Brito both have been done for the year. It’s led manager Mike Shildt to work with a makeshift rotation of rookies. Alcantara would offer them an immediate, high-upside arm to help stabilize their staff. The Padres would likely have to give up one of their two prospects, shortstop Leo De Vries or catcher Ethan Salas, in order to get Alcantara, but that’s a huge price for any team to pay.
The Toronto Blue Jays also have a clear need for starting pitching depth. Behind their top three starters, the situation is alarming. Max Scherzer has been battling injuries, and other arms have proven unreliable. Alcantara would be an immediate addition to their staff as they contend in a deep playoff push. The Jays have three elite prospects in Arjun Nimmala, Trey Yesavage, and Ricky Tiedemann. Acquiring the Marlins’ ace, in all likelihood, would mean the Blue Jays have to send at least one of these prospects packing.
Alcantara’s 2025 campaign is not quite like his Cy Young-winning 2022 campaign. His ERA sits at a lofty 6.36 as he finds himself struggling with consistency since returning from Tommy John surgery. But even through the struggles, the interest in him speaks volumes about his talent and also about his exceedingly team-friendly contract!
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