Since last offseason, the Houston Astros have been in a transitional period. A few key players are no longer in the mix, and their status as a perennial World Series contender is no more.
Last season, we saw the Astros fully miss the MLB Postseason for the first time since 2016. Now, after posting their worst regular-season win total since that same 2016 season, Houston is going to have to figure out how to address some key holes on the roster.
One of those holes is clearly within the rotation. Now, having the offense fit its footing is a must — a healthy Yordan Alvarez will help with that — but the rotation is still unsettled.
While Hunter Brown will lead the way after a sensational 2025 campaign, behind him, there are more questions than answers.
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Astros Add Sandy Alcantara in MLB Trade Proposal
After functioning as a key piece of the Astros’ rotation and receiving Cy Young votes for the better part of a decade, all signs point to Framber Valdez signing a massive extension elsewhere this winter.
With Valdez likely leaving a gaping hole within the starting staff, the front office in Houston is going to have to explore several options in an effort to replace his steady production.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report believes they’ll go out and trade for a starting arm who’s been a fixture of MLB trade rumors for quite some time. Rymer has predicted that Houston will trade for Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara.
“Alcantara is owed $17.3 million in 2026, followed by either a $21 million club option for 2027 or a $2 million buyout. Given his pedigree, none of these numbers pose a serious threat to a deal. However, if the Marlins are going to trade their ace, it would have to be for the sake of their offense,” wrote Rymer.
Could The Astros Actually Trade For Sandy Alcantara?
Whether or not Houston is willing to pull the trigger on this proposed trade will come down to how they perceive their roster and chances of getting back into the mix in 2026.
Expectations for the Astros next season vary wildly amongst fans and analysts, but we have seen quite often that the front office tends to be aggressive. Houston’s moves at the trade deadline last summer exemplify that mentality.
Frankly, it wouldn’t be terribly shocking if the Astros are contending once again next year, assuming they stay healthy and a few key players have bounce-back seasons — we’re looking at you, Christian Walker.
For a team with a wide range of outcomes, like the Astros, this is the perfect move to make. Given Alcantara’s rocky couple of seasons since winning the Cy Young, his trade value has slipped a considerable amount. The Astros could bring him in at a reasonable price, and if he can find his footing, it would help alleviate one of Houston’s biggest concerns ahead of the 2026 season.
So, yes, if the Marlins opt to shop Alcantara, the Astros trading for him is completely possible. At the end of the day, it could end up being a sharp move, too.
Sandy Alcantara Stats
Alcantara had far from a career year in 2025, but his established track record makes him an intriguing potential addition for any teams that are looking for starting pitching.
2025 Stats:
31 starts
11-12 record
174.2 IP
5.36 ERA
1.271 WHIP
142 Ks