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Cubs ‘Keeping a Close Eye’ on Marlins’ Cy Young Winner Ahead of Trade Deadline

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Sterling Bennett | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 2:30 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs are one of the best teams in baseball and are set to be one of the more aggressive teams at the trade deadline. In a win-now window, president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer is scouring the starting pitching market, hoping to pair returning ace Shota Imanaga with another top-of-the-line starter.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Cubs are “keeping a close eye” on Miami Marlins’ ace Sandy Alcantara.

“The Cubs didn’t trade third baseman Isaac Paredes and prized young outfielder Cam Smith for one guaranteed year of All-Star right fielder Kyle Tucker to sit back at the deadline now. The Cubs have led this division since April 4, and if they somehow aren’t playing in October there will be some premium jobs available in the front office,” wrote Nightengale. “Jed Hoyer, president of baseball operations, whose contract expires after the season, knows what’s at stake. They are scouring the market for a starter, keeping a close eye on [Sandy] Alcantara.”

The former Cy Young Award winner returned this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. Despite a difficult beginning that saw Alcantara’s ERA climb above 8.00, he has recently begun to look more like his old self. Since June 3, Alcantara has gone 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA and 19 strikeouts over 23 innings. That strong stretch has lowered his ERA to under 6.70 for the year — still not ideal, but an encouraging sign as the trade deadline approaches.

Alcantara, 29, is in the third season of a five-year, $56 million contract. The team-friendly deal will increase his price on the market but also make him especially appealing to clubs looking to add a proven starter. For the Cubs — eager to build on their hot start and establish themselves as legitimate World Series contenders — acquiring Alcantara would be a perfect fit.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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