Let’s talk about a name that’s been missing from the mound for way too long: Sandy Alcantara. The Miami Marlins’ former Cy Young winner had to sit out all of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
As we inch closer to the 2025 season, the conversation isn’t just about his return—it’s about where he might end up by the trade deadline.
Could the Braves Make a Move?
Alcantara has been a staple in Miami since the Marlins acquired him from the Cardinals in 2018, but given this franchise’s current operations, nothing is off the table.
And since he doesn’t even turn 30 until September, his value remains sky-high, even coming off a major injury. You’re already paying attention if you’re a contender looking for an ace.
Could the Braves make a move? Maybe. They don’t have the deepest farm system right now, but Atlanta has pulled off surprise trades before, and their front office loves to lock guys down long-term. And honestly, plenty of other teams will be lurking if Alcantara proves he’s still got it.
Innings Limit Could Be a Game-Changer
Here’s where it gets interesting. ESPN’s Jeff Passan dropped a crucial piece of information: Alcantara will be on an innings limit to start 2025. That’s a huge deal because it means the Marlins (or whoever lands him) could have him fresh and ready for October.
Let’s be real—Miami and “postseason baseball” don’t exactly go hand in hand. So, if they start sliding in the standings, the trade rumors will heat up fast.
And if you’re a team in need of a postseason ace, Alcantara is your dream deadline acquisition. This isn’t just a rental; he’s under contract through 2026, which makes him even more appealing.
A team like the Atlanta Braves could trade for him and then extend him just like they’ve done with other stars. For a club in win-now mode, it’s a no-brainer.
Will Alcantara Return to Ace Form?
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before any trade talks become real, we need to see how Alcantara looks after surgery.
Tommy John is no small hurdle, and while many pitchers return strong, there are no guarantees.
If he returns to form, expect a bidding war. If not, the Marlins will probably still find a way to confuse everyone with their roster decisions.
