Sandy Alcantara

There are plenty of options the Chicago Cubs could take to address their pitching staff, and free agency is the most likely one. One main idea that would make a ton of sense is signing Framber Valdez in MLB free agency. 

At the same time, Valdez is a fantastic player who’s going to create a ton of demand. Simply put, it would be foolish for the Cubs to rely just on this one option. 

If the Cubs can land Valdez, they shouldn’t go out and make this trade. The trade idea we’re referencing is the Cubs trading for Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins.

With the Marlins going 79-83 last year, there’s a chance the organization won’t be looking contend in 2026, given the state of their current roster. If that’s the case, trading away Alcantara, who’s 30 years old, would make a lot of sense. 

This is a PREDICTION, not a REPORT.

More MLB Content From TWSN:

Texas Rangers Signing Kyle Schwarber in MLB Free Agency

Top 5 World Series Game 7s of All Time

Shane Bieber Signing With the New York Mets

Sandy Alcantara Trade Proposal to the Chicago Cubs

It’s tough to judge Alcantara because 2025 was his first year back since he missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery. One year before that, in 2022, Alcantara was one of the best pitchers in baseball.

That year, Alcantara had a WAR of 8.0, a 14-9 record, and a 2.28 ERA. Alcantara made the All-Star game, and he also won the NL Cy Young award.

During 2023, Alcantara was good but saw a bit of regression. Alcantara would dip down to a 3.9 WAR, a 7-12 record, and a 4.14 ERA.

Now that we have some context, let’s dive into what Alcantara did in 2025. Alcantara had a 0.0 WAR, 11-12 ERA, and a 5.36 ERA. From the surface, it didn’t look great at all for Alcantara.

With that being said, Alcantara showed flashes, and his Baseball Savant Page wasn’t bad. Alcantara’s Pitching Run Value was in the 47th percentile, but it’s worth noting that his Fastball Run Value was in the 79th percentile.

At the same time, Alcantara’s xERA was in the 22nd percentile, and his xBA was in the 17th. There’s a ton of upside but also a ton of risk. 

Given that Alcantara has a solid contract, won the CY Young in 2022, and is now another year removed from Tommy John surgery at 30 years old, he’ll draw a solid return despite the risk.

For the Cubs, trading away Moisés Ballesteros (53rd ranked prospect in the MLB) and Jaxon

Wiggins (67th ranked prospect in the MLB) and Pedro Ramirez (8th ranked prospect in the Cubs farm system). Overall, this is a return that the Marlins can feel good about as they get younger.

Putting Alcantara in the back of the Cubs’ rotation would be a great place for him to thrive without a ton of pressure. If Alcantara can take a step up in 2026, the Cubs will be in a great spot.

Other Sandy Alcantara Landing Spots

Given the upside that Alcantara brings, the usual big-name teams will likely be in the mix for Alcantara. A few notable teams that were brought up at the trade deadline were the Houston Astros and the New York Yankees. 

Sandy Alcantara Stats

We already touched on most of Alcantara’s stats above, but here are a few more important numbers. Last year, Alcantara had a 2.49 SO/BB mark and a 1.271 WHIP. 

To compare those to 2023, when Alcantara still had a 3.9 WAR, he had a 3.15 SO/BB mark and a 1.213 WHIP.

Sandy Alcantara Contract

Alcantara is on a five year, 56 million dollar contract per Spotrac. That means Alcantara is set to be a free agent in 2028 when he’s 32 years old. 

All things considered, the Marlins should be fine parting ways with Alcantara at a fair cost. If the Chicago Cubs are unable to sign Valdez, they should trade for Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins.