MLB Rumors: Could the Chicago Cubs Be the Ones to Land Sandy Alcantara?
With Justin Steele out for the season and the Chicago Cubs sitting atop the NL Central, the urgency to add a top-tier arm has never been higher. Naturally, the conversation has turned toward Sandy Alcantara — a Cy Young winner with electric stuff and multiple years of team control. And while the Miami Marlins haven't pulled the trigger yet, the writing is on the wall: Alcantara is available, and the Cubs might be the best-suited to make it happen.
A Trade That Makes Sense for Both Teams
Let’s start with the proposed deal:
Cubs receive:
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Sandy Alcantara
Marlins receive:
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Owen Caissie (No. 3 Cubs prospect / No. 50 MLB)
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Jefferson Rojas (No. 7 Cubs / No. 93 MLB)
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Cristian Hernandez (No. 11 Cubs)
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Jack Neely (No. 16 Cubs)
This is no small package, and that’s exactly what it would take to pry a controllable, frontline ace like Alcantara away from Miami — even coming off Tommy John surgery. The Marlins aren’t just looking for quantity; they’re hunting impact. And this offer gives them four high-upside prospects, including two inside the MLB Top 100.
Why the Cubs Should Pull the Trigger
The Cubs’ window is cracking open, and this kind of move could swing it wide. Their offense is balanced, their bullpen solid, and the rotation — even with Steele out — has performed admirably. But adding Alcantara would solidify the top of the staff, especially come October.
He’s:
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A two-time All-Star
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The 2022 NL Cy Young winner
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Still under contract through 2027 (with a 2028 club option)
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One of the few pitchers in baseball who can regularly hit triple digits deep into starts
Yes, Alcantara is still getting up to speed post-surgery (4.70 ERA in 15.1 innings), but that’s to be expected. The velocity is coming back, the command is improving, and the raw talent has never been in question.
Why It Works for the Marlins, Too
Miami’s teardown is no secret. They’ve already dealt:
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Jazz Chisholm Jr.
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Tanner Scott
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Josh Bell
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Trevor Rogers
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Bryan De La Cruz
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And others
Alcantara is the final piece, and holding him into the season gives the Marlins time to showcase his return to form — potentially inflating his value. But the Cubs could tempt them to move earlier with a loaded farm system and a clear need.
Adding Caissie and Rojas gives the Marlins two near-MLB-ready bats, while Hernandez and Neely provide long-term upside. It’s a deal that fits the Marlins’ current blueprint: stockpile talent, reset the payroll, and wait for the next wave.
The Verdict
An Alcantara-to-Chicago trade feels inevitable, especially if the Cubs keep winning and the Marlins keep slipping toward the bottom of the standings. This isn’t just a “go for it” move — it’s a long-term play, adding a legit ace through 2027.
If you’re the Cubs, you do it. If you’re the Marlins, you probably wait a month or two… but the Cubs may be willing to pay enough to make the wait unnecessary.
Buy in or back out: Would you give up four top prospects for Alcantara right now — or wait until July and risk a bidding fight?
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