Three potential landing spots for Sandy Alcantara

Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara may be the biggest question mark ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

There is no questioning Alcantara's pedigree. He is a two-time All-Star and won the 2022 National League Cy Young award. However, Alcantara underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2023 season, missing the entire 2024 campaign.

His return has been a mixed bag when it comes to results. Alcantara has posted a 7.01 ERA and a 1.442 WHiP over his 86 innings, striking out 67 batters with 35 walks. He also had a four-game stretch at the beginning of June where he allowed just seven runs on 18 hits and five walks over 23 innings, striking out 19 batters, before struggling once more in his last two starts.

Alcantara is under team control through 2027 due to a $21 million team option. Pitchers typically perform better in their second season after surgery, making him an intriguing buy-low option. Let's take a look at three possible landing spots for the former Cy Young winner.

New York Yankees

The Yankees already had a hole in the back of their rotation before the news that pitcher Clarke Schmidt would likely need Tommy John surgery. Rookie pitcher Will Warren has been inconsistent at best. Pitcher Marcus Stroman has been a disaster with the Yankees and has been one of the worst pitchers in the majors when he has been able to take the mound.

While pitcher Luis Gil is expected back sometime in late July/early August, the Yankees need another addition to the rotation. Alcantara would also fill the hole left by Schmidt next season as he is expected to miss most, if not all, of 2026. Alcantara is a high-risk, high-reward option for the Yankees as they look to return to the World Series.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubs are in a similar situation to the Yankees. Pitcher Justin Steele was lost for the season when he underwent elbow surgery in mid-April. He is expected to return at some point in 2026.

Steele's absence leaves a hole in a potential playoff rotation in Chicago. While pitchers Shota Imanaga, Jameson Taillon and Matthew Boyd are a solid trio, that is not the type of rotation that would strike fear into any postseason opponent. ESPN's Jeff Passan linked the Cubs and Alcantara, noting that the two teams were close to a deal involving pitcher Jesus Luzardo. The Marlins' familiarity with the Cubs' farm system and previous discussions could make a deal happen quickly.

Los Angeles Dodgers

The fact that the Dodgers have the best record in baseball is somewhat miraculous given their pitching woes. A total of 12 pitchers are on the Injured List, with Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dustin May and Clayton Kershaw the only pitchers with more than eight starts this season. May has taken the ball every fifth day but has been mediocre at best, posting a 4.52 ERA and a 1.316 WHiP over his 89.2 innings.

Reinforcements are coming for the Dodgers. Shohei Ohtani is essentially making rehab starts at the major league level. Blake Snell is expected to begin his own rehab assignment soon, while Tyler Glasnow's next start could be in the majors as his rehab assignment wraps up. However, the Dodgers have a checkered history at best when it comes to keeping pitchers healthy. Adding Alcantara would not only provide needed depth but could also allow the Dodgers to use a six-man rotation, keeping the pitching staff healthy as they look to repeat as World Series champions.