The New York Yankees could be in the market for starting pitching this offseason, with a former Cy Young Award winner entering the fold.
The Yankees were able to stomach the losses of Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt this season thanks to strong performances from Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, and rookie Cam Schlittler. Regardless, the Yankees could be looking for a little extra firepower in the rotation.
Sports Illustrated’s Zach Pressnell predicts that Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara will end up in the Bronx for 2026.
“Given how much they're likely going to spend in free agency, the Yankees could turn to the trade block to save some money,” Pressnell said. “Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara would fit this perfectly for the Yankees. New York could trade a few top prospects to the Marlins to land the ace, who's under team control for a few more years.”
Alcantara isn’t quite the same pitcher who unanimously won the 2022 NL CY Young Award, as he pitched to a 5.36 ERA with an 11-12 record in 2025 after missing the entire 2024 season while recovering from Tommy John Surgery.
The Yankees had been rumored in connection with Alcantara at the trade deadline, but ultimately nothing came about. Despite some struggles this season, Alcantara’s upside is hard to deny, and the Yankees could involve themselves in trade talks for the Marlins’ ace once again.