The Chicago Cubs are shaping up to be buyers at the upcoming trade deadline. Their starting rotation could be a focus, and the Miami Marlins could have a piece the Cubs are interested in.
When Justin Steele was announced to be undergoing season-ending elbow surgery, the Cubs' starting rotation became a question mark. Without Steele, the Cubs lack a reliable arm behind Shōta Imanaga, who is also currently injured. Sandy Alcántara is struggling this year, but his trade value is at an all-time low. FanSided's Aldo Soto proposed this trade that would bring the 2022 Cy Young Award Winner to Chicago from the Miami Marlins.
- Cubs receive: RHP Sandy Alcántara
- Marlins receive: OF Owen Caisseie, 2B/OF James Triantos (Cubs No. 6 prospect) and RHP Brandon Birdsell (Cubs No. 7 prospect)
"Alcantara is under team control beyond 2025, as he's set to earn $17.3 million in 2026 and also has a club option worth $21 million for the 2027 season," wrote Soto. "Some fans point to his struggles so far this year, but it's easy to forget that pitchers often take a while after coming back from Tommy John before regaining their prior form. The 29-year-old has nearly 1,000 MLB innings under his belt and has a career 3.57 ERA in 159 games. Alcantara's numbers will get better from here, and as they do his price will go up this summer. Luckily for the Cubs, they have a loaded farm system that can cater to any team's needs."
Alcántara signed a five-year, $56 million deal before the 2022 season. During his Cy Young Award season, he had a 2.28 ERA in 32 starts. He also pitched six complete games and 228 2/3 innings, leading the league. However, since then, he has a 4.91 ERA and underwent Tommy John surgery.
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While Alcántara no longer looks like the ace he once was, he is showing signs of life. In his last two starts, he has pitched 12 innings and has allowed just two earned runs, while striking out 10.
If things are starting to click for Alcántara, his trade value will skyrocket. The Cubs almost swung a trade for Jesús Luzardo in the offseason. Adding Alcántara has the potential to be a move that makes the Cubs a threat in October.
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