The Miami Marlins have performed a little bit better than expected to start the 2025 season. They are 11-13 and are even within striking distance in the National League East.
However, the expectation is that they will be sellers at the trade deadline. One of the biggest trade chips they have to offer is right-hander Sandy Alcantara.
Unfortunately, Alcantara has struggled in his return from Tommy John surgery and has not replicated his past success. Perhaps this could turn some teams off.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer predicted that the former Cy Young’s trade stock will take a hit as a result of his early struggles.
“The Marlins only waited until early May to trade Luis Arraez last year, but they may not be as quick to send Sandy Alcantara out of town,” Rymer predicted.
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“Sure, it was always reasonable to expect Alcantara to need time to work out the kinks. So far, though, progress is slow.”
In his first five starts of the year, Alcantara is 2-2 with a 6.56 ERA. It’s clear that the two-time All-Star is struggling to regain his form after missing all of 2024 with Tommy John surgery.
What makes him an attractive trade chip is partially his contract status. He has two years of club control remaining plus a club option for 2027, so any team acquiring him wouldn’t just be bringing in a rental pitcher.
However, if he continues to struggle, some suitors may be turned off and decide not to go after him, which could lead to the right-hander staying in Miami for all of 2025.
It will be interesting to see where things stand at the trade deadline.
More MLB: Marlins $56 million Cy Young winner listed as likely trade chip before deadline
