As we inch closer to Opening Day, the Atlanta Braves seem pretty comfortable rolling with what they’ve got, giving their young arms a shot before making any major moves.
But that doesn’t mean the door is closed on a potential blockbuster deal later in the season.
Could the Braves Target Sandy Alcántara?
Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer threw out an intriguing name: Sandy Alcántara. The 2022 NL Cy Young winner could be a prime trade target for Atlanta in 2025.
Now, before you start imagining Alcántara in a Braves jersey, let’s break this down.
First, there’s the elephant in the room—Alcántara is coming off Tommy John surgery, which means he didn’t throw a single pitch in 2024.
The last time we saw him on the mound, he posted a 4.14 ERA in 2023, a far cry from his Cy Young-winning dominance in 2022 (2.28 ERA, six complete games, 0.98 WHIP).
So, is he still that guy? That’s the million-dollar question.
The Braves Are in No Rush to Make a Move
But here’s why this makes sense for Atlanta. The Braves aren’t desperate right now. Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, and Spencer Schwellenbach are locked in as the top three starters.
The back end of the rotation is a bit more uncertain, with Grant Holmes, Ian Anderson, and AJ Smith-Shawver battling for those final spots. Plus, Spencer Strider is expected to return at some point, which could be a huge boost.
By waiting until mid-season, the Braves get a chance to see what they have. If the rotation holds up, there’s no reason to make a move.
But if injuries or inconsistency creep in, Alcántara—if he proves he’s healthy—could be the kind of arm that pushes Atlanta over the top.
Miami’s Willingness to Listen Could Open the Door
The Marlins aren’t exactly shutting down trade talks, either. Miami’s president of baseball operations, Peter Bendix, played the classic front office game when asked about Alcántara’s future.
He said, “We never rule out anything. We listen to everything.” Translation? If the right offer comes along, Alcántara could be on the move.
Let’s not forget Atlanta isn’t the only team that could be involved in this. Rymer also named the Mets and Cubs as potential landing spots.
The Braves would have to consider whether they’re willing to part with prospects and take on the risk of a post-surgery Alcántara.
For now, though, it’s a waiting game. Atlanta’s rotation will get its early-season test, and if things don’t go according to plan, don’t be surprised if Alex Anthopoulos picks up the phone and makes a move.
