The New York Mets have struggled to start the 2025 season but that hasn’t dimmed their World Series aspirations.
After making it all the way to the National League Championship Series in 2024 and then reinforcing the roster with superstar slugger Juan Soto in the offseason, it will take a lot more than a 2-3 start to make anyone in Queens panic.
But it’s clear that the team will have to improve one key area if it wants to enjoy a deep playoff run. After preseason injuries to Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, the starting rotation seems to be one frontline ace short of true contention.
As a result, the Mets have been linked to a blockbuster deadline trade for one of the best starters who is likely to be available, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara.
“If he were to become available this season, Sandy Alcantara would likely become the most coveted pitcher on the trade market,” according to the New York Post’s Mike Puma. “The Mets are undoubtedly paying attention.”
Alcantara has been working his way back from Tommy John surgery after two career All-Star bids and a Cy Young Award in 2022. He has posted a 3.72 ERA and 11 strikeouts in two starts so far this season and, when asked about what a trade for Alcantara could mean for the Mets, Soto described him with three choice words: “He’s really brave.”
“It would be one of the best trades that we could have,” Soto added, per Puma. “He’s really smart and knows what he’s doing… He’s not scared to come at people, and he is going to attack you when he does.”
In addition to his strong resume, Alcantara is on an attractive contract. He signed a five-year, $56 million deal with the Marlins in 2021 and is owed just $17.3 million in both 2025 and 2026 with a $21 million club option for 2027.
If he can return to his ace form effectively by the deadline, he’d be a strong addition to virtually any contending team. But, as a result, a trade won’t be easy for the Mets to pull off.
“It’s going to take a lot to get him,” Soto said.
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