After securing second place in the NL Central in 2024, the Chicago Cubs are leading the division this year with a 19-13 record as of today. Rather than taking a seller’s approach at this season’s MLB trade deadline, the Cubs are positioned to be buyers, looking to improve their roster before the July 31st cutoff.
In a recent article, Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly offered six early trade predictions, one of which has the Cubs acquiring former NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins.
“Although the Marlins don’t necessarily have to trade Alcántara if he’s performing well, it’s likely that president of baseball operations Peter Bendix will look to move the former Cy Young winner in exchange for a package of prospects,” Kelly noted.
While other teams like the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and New York Mets are also in need of a top-tier pitcher, the Cubs are seen as the most eager to make a deal.
Entering this season with seven prospects on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 list, the Cubs are in a strong position. While third baseman Matt Shaw is probably untouchable, players like right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, outfielder Owen Caissie, and catcher Moisés Ballesteros could be key trade pieces for a potential deal with Miami.
Though the idea of adding a 29-year-old former Cy Young winner sounds exciting, recent stats for Alcantara paint a more complicated picture:
Sandy Alcantara’s stats: 26 IP, 19 SO, 17 BB, 8.31 ERA, 1.654 WHIP
It’s important to note that Alcantara is still recovering from Tommy John surgery, which caused him to miss all of 2024. However, if he can regain his peak form, he’s under contract with the Marlins through 2027, though it includes a team option for $21 million.
As we’ve seen with the Marlins in the past, they may prefer moving him for a package of prospects.