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Marlins predicted to make Sandy Alcantara trade decision despite hot start
TL;DR
The Miami Marlins, currently 9-9 in the 2026 MLB season, may trade ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara despite his strong performance. MLB analysts suggest that a trade is likely as rumors have circulated for over a year.
Marlins predicted to make Sandy Alcantara trade decision despite hot start originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Miami Marlins are off to a hot start to the 2026 MLB season, but there is some uncertainty about how good they will actually be.
They're 9-9, and most importantly, Sandy Alcantara looks to be a Cy Young caliber ace once again. But that return to form for the righty might lead to a trade this season, as has been rumored for a year now.
The Athletic's Andy McCullough also revealed that he will "lean toward" Alcantara being traded this season despite the Marlins and Alcantara's strong start to the season.
MLB analyst leans toward Sandy Alcantara being traded
"I would still lean toward Alcantara getting dealt this summer," McCullough writes, "but neither outcome would shock me. Miami could definitely hang around the National League East and the wild-card race."
While the Marlins look to have a much better team than many would've expected before the season, their trade deadline plans are still leaning towards being sellers.
It wouldn't be that big of a surprise considering how the Marlins have acted in the past year, with Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers two big pitchers already dealt this past offseason.
Alcantara is under club control through 2027 with a $21 million club option, which gives Miami the chance to either land better value in a trade or keep him around for one more year before deciding on him.
More: Marlins suggested to sign Max Kepler after Phillies’ OF was suspended for 80 games
Trading away Alcantara is where McCullough is currently leaning towards, but it would not be a surprise if Miami kept the star righty through the 2026 season if the Marlins can keep up their win total and maintain their status as a postseason contender.
It's too soon to decide about what the Marlins will wind up looking like come the end of July. But, if they're still contending, it would not be too big of a surprise if Alcantara wasn't traded.
McCullough believes, for now, that Alcantara will be traded despite his solid 2.67 ERA start through four games. This trade discussion isn't going away, and won't be resolved for quite some time.
More MLB news:
- Braves predicted to trade Bryce Elder for Lars Nootbaar
- Jacob DeGrom is only 149 strikeouts from 2,000 for his career
- Three ways Pirates' Paul Skenes could lose NL Cy Young Award
- Mets didn’t want to trade Brett Baty while White Sox didn’t want Mark Vientos in Luis Robert Jr. trade
- Red Sox never close on Astros’ Isaac Paredes trade
Q&A
Why are the Marlins considering trading Sandy Alcantara?
The Marlins are considering trading Sandy Alcantara due to ongoing rumors and his strong performance, which may increase his trade value.
What is Sandy Alcantara's current performance in the 2026 MLB season?
Sandy Alcantara has returned to Cy Young caliber form, contributing significantly to the Marlins' performance this season.
What are the implications of trading Sandy Alcantara for the Marlins?
Trading Sandy Alcantara could impact the Marlins' pitching depth and future competitiveness, especially if they are uncertain about their season trajectory.