As the 2025 MLB trade deadline approaches, one of the biggest enigmas on the market is the lack of movement among top-level starting pitchers
Despite the rumors surrounding figures such as Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly, the name that has generated the most excitement is that of the Miami Marlins ace and Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara
However, until recently, it seemed unlikely that Alcantara would be traded, as according to journalist Ken Rosenthal, the market is largely stalled by the excessive prices that selling teams are demanding:
“There are no starting pitchers available, really… The prices are sky high”
What team will Sandy Alcantara play for in 2025?
The situation took an unexpected turn when analyst Jim Bowden revealed that, despite initial doubts, one team had made an offer that has seriously motivated the Marlins to consider the trade.
“Everything has changed. Yesterday someone made an offer that has activated the Miami team… There may even be two teams,” explained Bowden, adding that it now seems likely that Alcantara will be traded within hours.
This has placed teams like the Dodgers and the Red Sox in an uncertain waiting game, as both are in urgent need of strengthening their rotation.
In the case of the Red Sox, currently in the hunt for a wild-card spot, the need for a reliable starter is evident and although they have shown interest in Alcantara, the difference between their proposal and what Miami demands would have meant a pause in negotiations.
Dodgers desperately looking for pitchers
The Dodgers are also in the market for arms after an injury-plagued season.
Bob Nightengale of USA Today noted that “Alcantara is the man they want,” although Miami‘s demand, which would include young prospects such as Dalton Rushing or Josue De Paula, represents a major obstacle in the negotiations.
In addition, other clubs have emerged as possible destinations for the Dominican ace. One of them is the Chicago Cubs, who are in urgent need of a starter following Tommy John surgery to their leading pitcher, Justin Steele.
Caissie, under a long-term contract and on a manageable salary, could offer immediate stability. A trade package could include the promising outfielder
San Diego Padres joins the fight for Alcantara
There is also talk of the San Diego Padres, as in addition to the injuries to Musgrove and Brito, their makeshift rookie rotation has not produced the expected results, and Alcantara could represent an immediate solution.
However, the price would be high: one of their top prospects, such as Leo De Vries or Ethan Salas, would have to be included in any deal.
The Toronto Blue Jays complete the list of possible suitors, as behind their top three starters, their rotation has shown a lack of depth. With names like Arjun Nimmala, Trey Yesavage and Ricky Tiedemann in their minor league system, the Blue Jays have the pieces for a possible trade, although they would have to part with significant talent.
Despite a high ERA of 6.36 since his return from surgery, interest in Alcantara reflects both his potential and his favorable contract for any team, so it seems that his departure from the Marlins is imminent and the only thing left to know is which of all the options will be his destination.
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