MLB Trade Rumors: Top AL Team Listed As Best Fit For Marlins' Sandy Alcantara
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.
Tip your cap, Caballo.
— Isaac Azout (@IsaacAzout) July 23, 2025
If that's it for Sandy as a Marlin, what a way to end it.
7 IP for the first time this season. 1 R (0 ER), 0 BB.
A nice ovation for Alcantara as we walks off the field. pic.twitter.com/uz0SeF343s
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.
Very promising start for Sandy Alcantara today:
— Kirk Snyder (@dynastyinfo411) July 23, 2025
7 IP
4 H
0 ER
0 BB
4 Kpic.twitter.com/IqF8MSSFca
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