Insider reveals telling Sandy Alcantara trade update

While Alcántara was thought to be already on the trading block, USA Today MLB insider Bob Nightengale provided an interesting update on his trade timeline in an April 20 article.

"The Miami Marlins know they have the game’s biggest trade commodity in ace Sandy Alcantara, but are planning to hang onto him until the final days before the July 31 trade deadline," Nightengale wrote.

He also quoted Alcántara as saying, “I want to play here and win here,” to reporters last week. Alcántara then added, “This team gave me an opportunity to be a starting pitcher and be a superstar. I signed here to stay here.’’

The former Cy Young not being made available until right before the trade deadline might actually benefit the Mets, if only because it seems they'll likely be less eager to acquire a top arm in the coming months than other teams, given how their staff has performed thus far.

Then again, the Mets might not be in the market for Alcántara at all if their starters can keep up their current form.