The New York Yankees‘ planning for the 2026 season has been dealt a harsh reality check. After the loss of their ace, Gerrit Cole, who underwent Tommy John surgery last March, the Bronx team had set its sights on the Miami market. However, hopes of seeing Dominican Sandy Alcantara in pinstripes have completely vanished.
Despite the fact that for much of the 2025 campaign it was speculated that the Miami Marlins would put their star on the trade market, the Florida organization’s stance has taken a radical turn. According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Marlins have officially removed Alcantara from any negotiations.
Sandy Alcantara is no longer available
The Miami front office seems to have regained confidence in its star pitcher after seeing him recover from his own elbow reconstruction surgery. Jackson stresses that management has no intention of moving him, stating that “it would take an incredible offer” for the Marlins to even consider opening a trade conversation.
The Marlins’ reluctance to part with their ace is no coincidence. Sandy Alcantara, 30, is coming off an up-and-down 2025 season following his return from Tommy John surgery, but his late-season shutdown was solid enough to dispel doubts.
Mike Axisa of CBS Sports analyzed the situation, highlighting that Miami has the first option thanks to its contract: “Alcantara is owed $17 million in 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027, so there is no urgency to trade him this offseason.”
The Yankees’ Plan B
Faced with the refusal of Alcantara, analysts suggest that the Yankees could look to other Marlins arms, although the cost would be painful. Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report has put an alternative name on the table: Edward Cabrera.
However, acquiring a pitcher of Cabrera’s caliber (who finished 2025 with a 3.53 ERA and 150 strikeouts) would force the Yankees to sacrifice their star prospect, Jasson Dominguez. According to Reuter:
“Trading him to an offense-starved team like the Marlins in exchange for Edward Cabrera would fill a spot in the starting rotation to help bridge the gap until Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return,” the reporter explained.
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