MLB Trade Rumors: Top AL Team Listed As Best Fit For Marlins' Sandy Alcantara

Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara walks off the mound during 2025 game.

The Houston Astros may once again strike gold at the MLB trade deadline. 

According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan and FanSided’s Quinn Everts, Houston has been identified as the best fit for struggling Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, news that could send shivers through the rest of the American League.

Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, hasn’t looked like himself this season with a 5-9 record and a sky-high 6.66 ERA. But he just tossed seven strong innings against the San Diego Padres and remains one of the most talented arms in the game. With the Astros facing serious rotation injuries, including Cristian Javier and Lance McCullers Jr., Alcantara could provide a high-upside boost for both the stretch run and future seasons.

Houston Could Revive Alcantara’s Ace Form

While Alcantara’s trade value remains murky due to his uneven 2025, analysts suggest the Astros' track record of rehabilitating pitchers makes them the perfect landing spot. Everts joked that if the Astros acquire Alcantara, he’ll “immediately become the best pitcher in baseball again.” 

It’s not far-fetched. Houston has a history of extracting top-tier performances from veteran arms and could extend Alcantara if they see long-term value.

Internally, the Astros still boast Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown but lack depth. Alcantara, even in his current form, could stabilize the rotation. And if Houston’s pitching development magic takes hold, a future top four of Alcantara, Valdez, Brown, and a healthy Javier could rival any rotation in MLB.

Marlins Could Deal, But Return is Key

Alcantara’s impressive outing against the Padres (seven innings, four hits, no walks) helped Miami to a second straight series win. But despite the glimpse of his former self, the Marlins may still look to sell, especially if the Astros can offer a compelling mix of big-league-ready talent and upside prospects. Names like top slugger Brice Matthews or controllable arms could appeal to a Marlins team quietly heating up.

Still, for Houston, the bigger question is whether they can buy low and recapture Alcantara’s peak form. If they do, the rest of the AL might be stuck watching another Astros October run.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images