Cubs Get Bad News on a Top Trade Target as Marlins Plan to Keep Sandy Alcantara
Cubs Get Bad News on a Top Trade Target as Marlins Plan to Keep Sandy Alcantara originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Chicago Cubs have a very easy-to-identify need leading up to the MLB trade deadline: starting pitching. With the Cubs losing Justin Steele for the rest of the year and Shota Imanaga in the middle of recovering from his injury, the Cubs have to address the starting rotation in the trade market.
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One of their top options, however, may no longer be available. According to Robert Murray in an appearance on Foul Territory, the Miami Marlins might hold onto starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara.
"I would not be surprised whatsoever if the Marlins held onto him," Murray said. "And try to wait until the offseason, or maybe next trade deadline, to try and trade him."
Murray's overarching point follows the Marlins seeing how poorly Alcantara has done, and how it's affected his trade value. With Alcantara struggling in 2025, the Marlins won't get the same return that was initially speculated for the former Cy Young winner.
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers a pitch against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at loanDepot Park.Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The Marlins ace has gotten off to a rough start to the 2025 season. In his first season back from injury, after missing all of 2024, Alcantara has a 7.14 ERA across 13 starts and 63 innings pitched.
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Alcantara has struck out 50 batters in 2025, but he's also allowed 50 earned runs, which is the most in all of baseball. His terrible start to the year has Alcantara sitting at a negative 1.2 WAR, and an ERA+ of just 60.
It's been an uncharacteristic season for Alcantara, who had previously never had a season above a 4.14 ERA as a starter. In 2022, Alcantara won the Cy Young, put up 8.0 WAR, and had a 2.28 ERA in an MLB leading 228.2 innings pitched.
His talent is immense, and that's why his 2025 season has been such a shocker. But, for the Cubs, his poor season opened the door to a more affordable price. It initially was good news.
However, Murray's report is a huge knock on the Cubs chances of landing the Marlins ace. With the Cubs now unlikely to land Alcantara, as the Marlins plan to keep him, they need to look elsewhere for a new starting pitcher.
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Related: Cubs Linked to Diamondbacks Starter Amid Search for Justin Steele Replacement
Related: Cubs Trade Idea Lands $64.5 Million Left-Hander from Lousy NL Team
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
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