The Miami Marlins unsurprisingly named veteran righty Sandy Alcántara their Opening Day starter earlier this month.
How much longer Alcántara continues pitching for the Marlins is another story.
Alcántara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, has two guaranteed seasons—each with a $17.3 million base salary—left on the extension he signed in November 2021. According to Spotrac, the Marlins also hold a $21 million club option for 2027.
The Marlins aren’t projected to do much in 2025, and they obviously have a long history of dealing top talent. Alcántara theoretically makes sense as a blockbuster trade candidate in the coming weeks.
Even after missing all of last season following Tommy John surgery, Alcántara still makes sense for a contender. He has two affordable years left on his deal, and he’s evolved into an innings eater capable of avoiding walks; Alcántara averaged 186 strikeouts vs. 49 walks in 206 innings from 2021-23.
Those qualities make him a perfect fit for the rival New York Mets. Here’s a hypothetical trade both teams should consider.
New York Mets receive: Sandy Alcántara, SP
Miami Marlins receive: David Peterson, SP; Ronny Mauricio, SS/OF; Jesus Baez, SS/2B; Nolan McLean, RHP/DH
Alcántara, hypothetically, immediately slots into the Mets’ starting rotation and replaces Peterson. He’s an established pitcher whose resume speaks for itself. Alcántara also fits the Mets’ win-now desire in a competitive NL East.
Meanwhile, Miami acquires a rising starter in Peterson, who went 10-3 with a 2.90 ERA in 21 starts last year. Mauricio is a proven power hitter who smashed at least 20 homers in three straight minor-league seasons from 2021-23.
Mauricio hit .248 with two homers and nine RBI in 26 major-league games two years ago. He missed the 2024 season with a torn right ACL.
Baez, who turns 20 on Feb. 26, hit .262 with 11 home runs and 43 RBI across two levels last year. McLean, a third-round pick in 2023 from Oklahoma State, is an intriguing two-way player worth the risk.
McLean hit .192 with eight homers and 21 RBI in A+ and Double-A. However, McLean recorded a 3.78 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 25 starts. The bad news: McLean went 2-8 with a 4.19 ERA in 18 Double-A starts.
In short, the Mets acquire another starter potentially capable of shutting down the Braves, Dodgers, and Phillies. Miami continues improving its farm system and adds a pitcher in Peterson who could stick around or be a trade chip.