Marlins Pitcher Will Be Prime Trade Candidate This Winter

The Miami Marlins remain within striking distance of a Wild Card in the National League, and that's due in large part to the return to prominence of former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. At 13-8, with a 3.46 ERA, and a 2.29 ERA in the second half over his last nine crucial starts, it's clear why the Marlins continually fended off any trade offers for their veteran ace.

Alcantara, the 2022 Cy Young Award winner, missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, and struggled in his return last year with a 5.36 ERA. He was a frequent name on the rumor mill for the last year and a half, but the Fish decided to keep him. And it's been a terrific decision. 

However, with a club option of $21 million for next year, and unrestricted free agency waiting after that, will the notoriously penny-pinching Marlins decide it's time to move on from him in the winter? Many around the league say 'yes', and insider Bob Nightengale says says teams will definitely come calling once again. 

Teams will try once again to pry ace Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins this winter. He has been sensational of late, yielding a 1.99 ERA since July 4, pitching at least six innings in all 10 starts.

The ideal time for a small-market team to trade its stars is with at least one year still remaining on their contract, to maximize value. Add that to the renaissance season that Alcantara has had, plus the rise to ace-like status of Eury Perez over the last three months (aside from his most recent start), and it seems like Alcantara just might be entering his final month as a Marlin.