The 2024 MLB offseason saw some of baseball’s elite arms change teams, with big names like Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease, Garrett Crochet, and Jesús Luzardo all finding new homes. Now, 2025 could bring yet another blockbuster pitcher trade, and Sandy Alcántara’s name is starting to gain serious traction.
Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic highlighted the Baltimore Orioles’ rotation situation, suggesting that the club might still be in the market for a top-tier starter. While the Orioles could make a splash before Opening Day, Rosenthal believes they might wait for the trade deadline, when Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara could become a prime target.
Alcántara’s story is intriguing. The 29-year-old hasn’t pitched since September 2023 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but new Marlins manager Clayton McCullough expects him to return by Spring Training.
Before his injury, Alcántara was a force to be reckoned with, peaking in 2022 with an NL Cy Young win. From 2018 to 2022, he posted a stellar 3.09 ERA, averaged nearly 200 strikeouts per season, and topped all MLB pitchers in WAR during his award-winning campaign. While he regressed slightly in 2023, with a 4.14 ERA, his leadership helped Miami reach the playoffs for the second time in four years.
If Alcántara is healthy and pitching at his pre-injury level, his trade value will be sky-high. Baltimore already parted with top prospects in 2024 to bring in Trevor Rogers from Miami, and acquiring Alcántara would require an even steeper price.
The Orioles’ willingness to dip into their farm system again might hinge on how competitive they look mid-season. What makes Alcántara’s availability plausible is Miami’s recent fire sale.
The Miami Marlins Are Clearly in Rebuild Mode
The Marlins have shipped off a slew of key players over the last year, signaling a clear commitment to rebuilding. Trading Alcántara, who’s owed a reasonable $17.3 million annually through 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027, would fit that pattern. Shedding his salary while stockpiling prospects seems consistent with the Marlins’ strategy, even if it frustrates their fan base.
Rosenthal also noted that options for acquiring frontline starters this summer could be limited. With Zac Gallen, Framber Valdez, and Michael King playing for contending teams, Alcántara might stand out as the most attractive ace on the market.
That scarcity could boost Miami’s leverage and make Alcántara’s potential move a blockbuster worth watching. Whether Baltimore—or another contender—steps up to meet the Marlins’ asking price will be one of the season’s defining questions.
