Almost a month into the 2025 season, the MLB trade deadline is slowly coming into focus. The Chicago Cubs may be positioning themselves as one of the more intriguing buyers, and possibly the disruptor in the chase for a frontline starter.
According to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the Cubs are among the most likely landing spots for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, should Miami decide to part ways with the former Cy Young winner. Chicago has gotten off to a fantastic 16-10 start and sits first in the National League Central.
“With staff ace Justin Steele out for the season, the Cubs will be on the hunt for a replacement — and just happen to have a nice farm system with plenty of depth to make a deal for Alcantara. Caissie and Kevin Alcantara (not related) are two young outfielders in Triple-A, and even if Tucker isn’t re-signed, there won’t be room for both youngsters in 2026, so either could headline a deal. Caissie’s high-end power potential would certainly be intriguing for the Marlins, who have long been searching for a power-hitting outfielder.”
The Cubs are looking to contend now, having made the ideal moves in the offseason to bolster the roster and appear alright so far without Steele. However, departing from one of their top prospects for another pitcher would solidify their rotation and push their contention status further.
Cubs Sandy Alcantara Trade Intrigue
Chicago’s farm system has plenty of offensive upside, and that could be the key to any potential blockbuster. Both outfielders are currently in Triple-A Iowa and offer tantalizing upside. Although Schoenfield notes that long-term roster space may be limited, especially if Kyle Tucker re-signs or hits the free agent market.
Caissie, in particular, is an appealing piece. The left-handed hitter boasts major raw power and could give the Marlins the type of middle-of-the-order potential they’ve struggled to develop in-house. Caissie has played 13 games for Iowa and has an .839 OPS with four home runs. This presents an ideal move for the Cubs to move on from Caissie, as there’s a plethora amount of outfielders. For a team like Miami that’s still retooling, power bats with projectable ceilings are a premium return.
For Alcantara, he’s played in 18 games for Iowa this season. He’s slashing .277/.355/.446 with two home runs and an. 802 OPS. His mix of speed, athleticism, and emerging power makes him one of the more intriguing outfield prospects.
High Risk, High Reward
Acquiring Alcantara wouldn’t come cheap, and it shouldn’t. Despite returning from Tommy John surgery, his team-friendly deal and track record make him one of the most valuable arms on the trade front. For the Cubs, adding a legitimate top-of-the-rotation piece could be the move that separates them from a crowded NL field.
It would also signal a shift in mindset: from hopeful to aggressive.
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