How Sandy Alcantara's second-half resurrection benefits Marlins

A casual glance at Sandy Alcantara's stats would show that he has been a disappointment for the Miami Marlins this season.

The 2022 National League Cy Young award winner has struggled in his first season back from Tommy John surgery, posting a 5.53 ERA and a 1.286 WHiP in his 161 innings, striking out 131 batters with 53 walks. Alcantara's 7.3 K/9 rate is his lowest since 2019, while his 3.0 BB/9 rate is his worst since 2020.

However, Alcantara has gotten better throughout the season. He has been particularly effective since the All-Star Break, posting a 3.34 ERA and a 1.029 WHiP over his 70 innings in the second half, striking out 60 batters with 16 walks. Alcantara has held opponents to a .217/.272/.349 batting line in 279 plate appearances as he has begun to look like the pitcher he was before being injured.

Sandy Alcantara boosting trade value for Miami Marlins

Alcantara had been the subject of frequent trade rumors due to the Marlins' fire sale in 2024 and during the offseason. He ultimately remained in Miami, with Alcantara saying that there was "nothing [he] wanted more" than to remain with the Marlins. As he is under team control through 2027, the Marlins were not under pressure to trade him at the deadline if they did not receive a deal to their liking.

That second-half surge could be beneficial for the Marlins regardless of what happens with Alcantara during the offseason. If the Marlins trade their two-time All-Star, he will likely bring back a larger return than he would have at the trade deadline. Should Alcantara remain in Miami, he would be a key part of the rotation of what could be a surprising Marlins team. Regardless of what happens, Alcantara's second-half resurrection was exactly what the Marlins needed.