MLB Executives Expect Struggling Marlins Starter To Be Traded

The Miami Marlins are on a seven-game winning streak entering Wednesday, but are widely considered to be out of the playoff race as the trade deadline approaches. Their biggest trade chip, starting pitcher Sandy Alcántara, has struggled in his return from undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2023.

However, MLB executives tell former MLB executive Jim Bowden of The Athletic that they still expect him to be traded.

Bowden polled over 40 executives, and the most common answer was Alcántara despite his 6.98 ERA.

Alcántara is under contract through next season with a team option for an extra year in 2027. The former Cy Young winner missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, and began this season carrying an 8.31 ERA into May, casting doubts on his trade potential.

Alcántara would bounce back in June, allowing three or fewer earned runs in four of his five starts last month. This has garnered continued interest from executives across the league, especially those who are searching for starting pitching to add down the stretch.

“I doubt the Marlins would get the requisite value for him if they traded him now,” Bowden wrote. “Instead, they could wait until the offseason to cash-in, perhaps after he’s had a strong August and September.”

The Marlins would have to be blown away to trade their ace during the season, and they might not receive the package they want in return if they settle at the deadline.

Alcántara’s next couple of starts leading up to the trade deadline could sway the Marlins’ decision and raise his price for potential suitors if he continues to progress back to top form.

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