After finishing second in the NL Central in 2024, the Chicago Cubs are currently leading the division with a 19-13 record. As the MLB trade deadline nears, the Cubs are expected to be buyers this year, rather than sellers.
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, the Cubs are predicted to make a move for Sandy Alcantara, the former NL Cy Young winner, currently with the Miami Marlins. While the Marlins don’t necessarily have to trade Alcantara, if he shows improvement on the mound, it’s anticipated that the Marlins’ president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, may look to trade him for a package of prospects.
Though the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets could also pursue Alcantara, the Cubs are seen as the most motivated team to make an aggressive move. Chicago has seven prospects listed in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100, including Cade Horton, Owen Caissie, and Moisés Ballesteros, all of whom could be part of a trade package for Alcantara.
Despite Alcantara’s past Cy Young award, his recent stats paint a different picture. In 26 innings this season, he has a 8.31 ERA and a 1.654 WHIP. However, it’s important to note that he is recovering from Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss the entire 2024 season. If Alcantara can return to his previous form, he remains under contract through 2027, with a $21 million team option.
The Marlins may be inclined to trade him for younger, more affordable talent, but Alcantara will need to prove he’s back to his best before any deal happens.
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