The Chicago Cubs put together a strong first half of 2025, going 57-39 and surging to the second-best record in the National League. They enter the second half one game up on the Milwaukee Brewers.
The team will likely look to make a few upgrades to its roster at the trade deadline. They have some holes in their pitching staff due to injuries.
Soon after welcoming Shota Imanaga back from the injured list, Jameson Taillon went down with a calf issue. Rotation help is likely at the top of their list.
Zachary D. Rymer proposed the idea of the North Siders trying for Sandy Alcantara of the Miami Marlins.
"The Cubs are perhaps the top candidate to make an aggressive play on a top-flight starter at the deadline. They've been connected to Mitch Keller, but could probably do better with a deal for, say, Sandy Alcántara," Rymer wrote.
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Alcantara missed all of 2024 as he recovered from Tommy John surgery. His return in 2025 hasn't exactly gone smoothly.
In 18 starts, he is 4-9 with a 7.22 ERA and a -1.6 WAR. However, he is a former Cy Young winner and two-time All-Star, so he has a strong track record.
He also is under contract through at least 2026 and has a club option for 2027. His value has likely taken a hit due to his struggles, but that could lower the asking price and allow a team such as the Cubs to not have to part with many top prospects.
With Justin Steele out for the season, Chicago could use another front to mid-rotation starter down the stretch, and Alcantara could be a good fit.
We'll see if the Cubs show interest.
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