One of the key reasons the Miami Marlins remained largely irrelevant last season was the absence of former NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, who missed the entire 2024 MLB season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Since being traded from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018, Alcantara has spent most of his big-league career with the Marlins.
As he approaches his 30th birthday in September, there is speculation that Miami could trade him for prospects. While the Atlanta Braves may not have the farm system depth to entice the Marlins, it’s worth noting that the two teams have made deals before. Ultimately, the Marlins’ level of interest in trading Alcantara may reflect their overall approach to contention.
According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Alcantara will begin the 2025 season on an innings limit, increasing the likelihood that he could be available for a postseason rotation if the Marlins—or another team—make a deep run. Given Miami’s usual position outside the playoff picture, his potential availability at the trade deadline will be worth monitoring.
The Marlins will have Sandy Alcantara on an innings limit to start the year, leading contenders to believe he'll be available come October if they can acquire him, per ESPN's @JeffPassan. pic.twitter.com/pNaayEFHXR
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) March 5, 2025
Alcantara remains under contract with the Marlins through 2026 and is set to hit free agency in 2027.
Sandy Alcantara being on an innings limit is great news for trade partners
While the trade deadline is still months away, the Marlins have a history of making unexpected roster moves. Few predicted they would trade Luis Arraez—the closest thing to Tony Gwynn in today’s game—to Gwynn’s former team, the San Diego Padres, months before last year’s deadline. When it comes to Miami, anything is always on the table.
Dealing another star like Alcantara would undoubtedly set the franchise back further, likely alienating what’s left of its already disinterested fanbase. However, from a contender’s perspective, he is the type of pitcher worth making a big move for. Despite coming off Tommy John surgery, Alcantara has consistently proven himself as a top-five starting pitcher when healthy.
Teams like the Braves and Red Sox could see him as a key piece for a playoff push—not just for the regular season, but into October. The fact that he remains under contract through 2026 makes him even more appealing, particularly for an organization like the Braves, whose GM, Alex Anthopoulos, has a track record of acquiring players and extending them long-term.
For now, all eyes will be on Alcantara as he returns to the mound and works his way back to form.
