Sandy Alcantara’s Stunning Return to Ace Form: How the Marlins Star Just Re-ignited the NL Cy Young Race

MIAMI—With the July 31 MLB trade deadline days away, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara has become the hottest name on the pitching market. The 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner quieted doubters and fueled speculation with a season-best seven-inning performance against the San Diego Padres on July 23, scattering four hits and surrendering just one unearned run in a 3-2 victory. Dominant outings have been rare for Alcantara since his 2024 Tommy John surgery, but Wednesday’s start—featuring a 99.9 mph fastball—reminded contenders why front-office phones are buzzing. Multiple reports indicate that interest in the right-hander has “soared” as executives grow confident Miami will move him before the deadline. WHY CONTENDERS ARE LINING UP Alcantara’s contract is the envy of every competitive club: $17.3 million guaranteed for 2026 with a $21 million club option for 2027. That cost-certainty, paired with a proven history of 200-plus-inning durability, makes him a fit for both big-budget teams and lower-spending hopefuls seeking a true No. 1 starter. TOP SUITORS EMERGE • New York Mets – Beat reporters confirm the Mets have “checked in” as they attempt to overhaul a rotation ranked 12th in the NL in ERA. New York’s deep farm system could match Miami’s asking price. • Toronto Blue Jays – Newsweek reports that Toronto’s front office is weighing a blockbuster after losing Kevin Gausman to a forearm strain, viewing Alcantara as insurance and a 2026 anchor. • Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs – Both remain engaged, but industry sources believe Miami prefers to ship Alcantara to the American League to avoid yearly showdowns. HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE CHECK Critics point to a 7.14 ERA, the worst among starters with 90-plus innings, yet underlying metrics tell a different story. Over his last nine outings Alcantara has completed at least six innings seven times, trimming his FIP to 3.86 in that span. His sinker velocity is back to pre-injury levels, and he is generating a 52 percent ground-ball rate—ideal for teams with elite infield defense. MARLINS’ ASKING PRICE According to league sources, Miami seeks two top-100 prospects plus a near-ready major-league contributor. The organization, mired in last place but flush with young position players, is prioritizing high-ceiling arms to pair with Eury Pérez in a future rotation. PLAYER PERSPECTIVE Alcantara insists he is blocking out the noise. “I feel great here, but whatever happens, happens. I have to compete,” he told reporters post-game. Still, teammates privately believe Wednesday may have been his final start at loanDepot park, and the seven-year Marlin chose walk-out music titled “Nunca Creyeron” (“They Never Believed”)—a subtle nod to doubters. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT Barring a setback, Alcantara is scheduled to pitch July 29 in St. Louis—the franchise that originally signed him as a 16-year-old out of the Dominican Republic. Scouts from at least eight teams are expected to be in attendance. A dominant showing could trigger an auction-style bidding war and accelerate talks that have already intensified behind the scenes. SEO TAKEAWAYS Fans searching for “Sandy Alcantara trade rumors,” “Marlins ace available,” or “MLB trade deadline 2025 pitchers” will find his name atop every list. With cost control, a proven postseason résumé, and a fastball flirting with triple-digits, Alcantara is positioned to become the signature move of this year’s deadline—unless the Marlins decide his latest gem signals a return to Cy Young form they can’t afford to lose. Stay tuned as front offices jockey for the most coveted arm on the market and Sandy Alcantara writes the next chapter of his already storied career.