After losing Gerrit Cole to Tommy John surgery for the entire 2025 season, the New York Yankees entered the playoffs without a true second ace behind Max Fried. That lack of depth has shown in the American League Division Series, where the Yankees trail the Toronto Blue Jays two games to none.
Pitching has been a major issue for New York, which has surrendered 23 runs in the first two games. Fried allowed seven runs in Game 2, while rookie Will Warren gave up six more in a long-relief role out of the bullpen.
Although Cole is expected to return early next season, the Yankees could still benefit from adding another proven starter. According to Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara could be a potential target.
Alcantara showed some inconsistency in 2025 after missing all of 2024 while recovering from Tommy John surgery. Still, his overall résumé speaks for itself. Over his career, Alcantara owns a 3.65 ERA, 20.1 WAR, and 931 strikeouts across 1,075 1/3 innings, along with two All-Star selections and the 2022 National League Cy Young Award.
In Rymer’s proposed trade, the Yankees would send outfielder Jasson Domínguez and No. 5 prospect Carlos Lagrange to Miami. While moving Domínguez would be difficult, Alcantara’s addition could give New York a formidable starting rotation featuring Cole, Fried, Carlos Rodón and Cam Schlittler.
For now, the Yankees will shift their attention to Game 3 at Yankee Stadium, hoping to stave off elimination and keep their season alive.