Three potential landing spots for Marlins' Sandy Alcantara

The Miami Marlins have one of the biggest dominoes ahead of the Aug. 3 MLB trade deadline.

Pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been the subject of trade rumors for years as his salary continued to increase. Tommy John surgery wiped out his 2024 season, making Alcantara a risky proposition from a trade standpoint. He looked like his previous self during the second half of the 2025 season, making him an interesting trade candidate.

Alcantara has had a solid start to the 2026 season, although it is not up to his former standards. He entered Tuesday with a 4.18 ERA and a 1.239 WHIP over his 103.1 innings, striking out 77 batters with 24 walks. He also potentially comes with an additional year of control as Alcantara has a $21 million team option for 2027.

Alcantara could be a solid addition to the middle of a contending team's rotation with the potential to be much more. Let's look at three potential landing spots.

1. Chicago Cubs

The Cubs rotation has been battered by injuries this season. Pitcher Cade Horton underwent Tommy John surgery and will be sidelined until the second half of 2027. Pitchers Justin Steele, Matthew Boyd and Jameson Taillon are expected to return this season, but the Cubs need a proven starter in the interim.

Alcantara's arsenal would also be a strong fit for the Cubs. His ability to generate ground balls and weak contact would work well with the Cubs stellar defense. Likewise, his ability to take the ball every fifth day and pitch deep into games would give the Cubs the consistency they need.

2. Milwaukee Brewers

The Brewers are in a similar position as the Cubs as their rotation has been hammered by injuries. However, the duo of Jacob Misiorowski and Kyle Harrison are among the best top two starters in the majors.

Alcantara would fill a valuable role as a third starter in the young Brewers rotation. He has playoff experience as well as part of the Marlins' 2020 playoff squad. Adding a veteran innings-eater behind the Brewers duo could make a difference in the postseason.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

The Rays have received strong starts to the season from starters Nick Martinez, Drew Rasmussen and Shane McClanahan. However, they have struggled to find an answer beyond that trio as eight different pitchers have made at least one start in those spots in the rotation.

Alcantara would give the Rays a formidable rotation in the postseason as he would likely be their fourth starter. The Rays also have a reputation for getting the most they can out of pitchers and could find a way to get Alcantara to his former self.