A Bumpy Season for Sandy Alcantara
Sandy Alcantara, the Miami Marlins’ starting pitcher and former NL Cy Young Award winner, is on the radar for a potential trade this offseason. The 2025 season was a significant setback for Alcantara, who struggled with an 11-12 record and a 5.36 ERA in 31 starts, his first season back from Tommy John surgery. This performance was a stark contrast to his remarkable 2022 season, where he clinched the NL Cy Young Award unanimously. Despite the recent downturn, Alcantara, at just 30 years old, still holds immense potential. The Marlins are considering trading him, and one team that has shown interest is the Oakland Athletics.
The Case for an Athletics Trade
ESPN’s David Schoenfield argues that the Marlins should seriously consider trading Alcantara to the Athletics. One of the primary reasons for this recommendation is the Athletics’ need for quality starting pitching. The Athletics struggled significantly in this area, and adding a pitcher of Alcantara’s caliber, even in his current form, would be a significant upgrade. Schoenfield points out that the Athletics overpaid to land Luis Severino last winter, which highlights their willingness to invest in top-tier pitching. Despite Alcantara’s disappointing 2025, there are encouraging signs. Over his final 12 starts, he posted a 3.13 ERA with 69 strikeouts and only 18 walks over 77 innings. This late-season resurgence indicates that he is capable of returning to form, making him a valuable asset for any team.
Financial Viability and Contract Terms
Alcantara’s contract is another factor that makes him an attractive trade target. He is signed to a reasonable deal, earning $17.3 million for the 2026 season with a $21 million club option for 2027. Given the Athletics’ financial constraints, this contract is manageable and aligns well with their budgetary goals. The team’s ability to afford Alcantara without breaking the bank makes the trade even more appealing. Moreover, the contract’s structure provides flexibility for both the Athletics and the Marlins, ensuring that the trade can be structured in a way that benefits both parties.
Potential for Rebounding
While Alcantara’s 2025 season was a disappointment, his late-season performance suggests that there is still plenty of high-quality pitching left in him. The Athletics have a history of developing and revitalizing players, and there is a strong possibility that they can help Alcantara recapture the form that made him a Cy Young Award winner. His recent strong outings demonstrate that the mechanics and talent are still there; it may just take the right environment and support to bring them out fully. The Athletics’ player development system and the team’s focus on data-driven approaches could play a crucial role in helping Alcantara rediscover his dominance.
Broader Implications for the Athletics
Adding Alcantara to the roster would not only address the Athletics’ immediate pitching needs but could also have long-term benefits. A pitcher of his caliber can serve as a stabilizing force in the rotation and provide the team with a strong foundation moving forward. The Athletics have made strategic moves in the past to bolster their pitching staff, and bringing in a player like Alcantara fits well within their strategy. Moreover, his presence could attract other quality players to the team, enhancing the overall competitiveness of the roster. The trade could also signal a shift in the organization’s approach, showing a commitment to building a strong and sustainable pitching core.
Conclusion
In summary, while Sandy Alcantara’s 2025 season was a step back, his age, recent performance, and reasonable contract make him an attractive trade candidate for the Oakland Athletics. The team’s need for quality starting pitching, combined with their history of player development, positions them well to help Alcantara return to form. The financial viability of the trade and the potential long-term benefits for the Athletics make this a move worth considering. As the offseason progresses, it will be interesting to see how this potential trade scenario unfolds and whether Alcantara finds a new home in Oakland.
