MLB Trade Rumors: 3 Teams Make Sense As Sandy Alcantara Landing Spots

His name has been on the rumor mill since before the 2025 season. Now that Sandy Alcantara has a full year under his belt in his return from Tommy John surgery, the former Cy Young winner is looking stronger, and has become an even more sought-after trade candidate.

The Miami Marlins' right-hander got out of the gates with an excellent run this season, with a 3.04 ERA across his first seven starts. A couple of blowout losses in May have bumped his ERA up to 4.00, but he will still be in demand for a lot of clubs.

Here, we examine three teams who would make the most sense as potential landing spots in a trade.

Chicago Cubs

The Cubbies are struggling. Losers of six straight entering the weekend, while surrendering plenty of runs in the process, they badly need a rotation boost. With Cade Horton out for the year, former ace Justin Steele not returning until after the All-Star break, and Matthew Boyd out for about another month, they could use Alcantara as much as any team. They currently rank 21st in MLB in ERA by starters at 4.40.

Toronto Blue Jays

With Cody Ponce and now Jose Berrios out for the year, Shane Bieber out for another month (he's just about to start a rehab assignment), and Max Scherzer still out for another couple of weeks, the Toronto rotation is hurting and could use some fresh blood. Additionally, with Kevin Gausman, Bieber and Scherzer all free agents after the season, Alcantara at least provides protection for 2027 as well, with a team option for that season.

San Diego Padres

The Friars' rotation is still problematic, with Yu Darvish out for the year, and Joe Musgrove and Nick Pivetta out for another few weeks. They went out and signed Lucas Giolito recently, but adding another top-end of the rotation arm like Alcantara would help. The Pads rank 22nd in rotation ERA.