Over the last year or so, no player has been involved in trade rumors as much as Sandy Alcantara has. So many different teams have been linked to the Miami Marlins starter last season, before, and at the trade deadline.

He’s still been a trade candidate all offseason, and while the Marlins have already dealt from their rotation, don’t expect these rumors to die down with Alcantara any time soon.

That’s especially the case when Jayson Stark of The Athletic, in a poll of MLB executives, found that Alcantara is the second-ranked player executives predict to be traded this spring, as the Marlins are “open for business” heading into 2026.

Marlins ‘open for business’ amid Sandy Alcantara trade rumors

Heading into 2026 Spring Training, Stark polled multiple MLB executives and found that Alcantara was the second-most predicted player to be traded this spring, behind only Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams.

One executive said of the Marlins, “They’re open for business,” which likely means that Alcantara trade talks are not going away just yet.

While his 2025 season wasn’t ideal, and likely diminished his trade value, his production to close out the year, a 3.33 ERA with a 7-3 record, could help raise his trade value back to where it should be for the former Cy Young.

The Marlins, after trading Edward Cabrera to the Chicago Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the New York Yankees, might be entertaining another trade with Alcantara as the 2026 regular season approaches.

More: MLB Hot Stove tracker: Live updates on news, rumors, signings and trades for 2025 free agency

Stark believes that an Alcantara trade isn’t as likely as it would be later. “Alcantara feels more lined up for a trade deadline shopping spree than a St. Patrick’s Day shopping spree.”

This would potentially work better for the Marlins as well. Even though the acquiring team wouldn’t be getting a full season out of Alcantara in 2026, they might be acquiring a pitcher who’s in the middle of a great year.

Compared to 2025, when Alcantara wasn’t playing well in the buildup to the trade deadline, a strong opening half of 2026 could net the Marlins a better return than they could get now.

Of course, the inverse is true, where the Marlins might not land as good an offer if he struggles again to begin the season. The Marlins need to weigh whether it’s worth the risk or not.

But, if nothing else, the Marlins are “open for business” and entertaining trade inquiries on Alcantara as 2026 Spring Training approaches.

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