The Chicago Cubs sit atop the National League Central with a one-game lead, but their championship window might be closing faster than expected. With less than two weeks until the trade deadline, one ESPN insider believes the Cubs need to make a bold move to solidify their rotation. The target? A former Cy Young Award winner who’s having the worst season of his career.
Why Is Sandy Alcantara the Perfect Gamble for the Cubs?
Coming out of the All-Star break, the Cubs hold a narrow one-game advantage over the Milwaukee Brewers. Their offense has been nothing short of explosive, leading the National League in RBI (501), batting average (.297), slugging (.446), and total bases (1,481).
Chicago knows how to get on base and take extra bases when the opportunity presents itself. The Cubs boast seven players with double-digit home runs, with Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki sitting at 25 home runs. Offense won’t be the Cubs’ problem for the rest of the 2025 season.
However, starting pitching tells a different story. While Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Collin Rea have delivered strong seasons, Chicago still needs help at the back end of the rotation. Veteran right-hander Jameson Taillon has struggled to keep the ball in the park, surrendering 22 home runs in 95 innings.
ESPN MLB Insider Jeff Passan sees the Miami Marlins ace as an excellent fit for The Friendly Confines.
“The market for Alcántara might not reflect his résumé. A former Cy Young Award winner, the 29-year-old has been arguably the worst pitcher in baseball this season, with an ERA of 7.22.”
“Some teams–even ones that could desperately use starting pitching–see the remaining two years and $38.3 million on Alcántara’s deal as an impediment to any trade, particularly with Marlins GM Peter Bendix asking for a haul in return. Whether it’s Alcántara or another starter, the Cubs are a good starter away from having one of the top teams in baseball.”
What Went Wrong With Sandy Alcantara This Season?
Sandy Alcantara (4-9, 7.22 ERA) is having a nightmare season. Even more puzzling, the Marlins at 44-51 aren’t completely terrible. Yet their former ace can’t get anyone out. His 73 earned runs surrendered led all of MLB, creating questions about what’s really going on.
The answer lies in the data. According to Baseball Savant, Alcantara has lost some velocity on his four pitches: four-seamer, slider, changeup, and curveball. Opponents are crushing his four-seamer like never before. In 2023, batters posted a .255 average against his fastball. Now, they’re tattooing the pitch at a .315 clip.
The explanation comes down to timing and recovery. In October 2023, Alcantara underwent Tommy John surgery for the torn UCL. The Cleveland Clinic states that the typical recovery time is 12 to 18 months. Alcantara’s timeline is roughly 21 months, making this season an extended spring training as he works to regain his form.
Can the Cubs Put Together a Deal for Alcantara?
The Cubs could entice the Marlins with a modest deal involving a valued prospect. 18-year-old shortstop Ronny Cruz, a toolsy player with excellent power and defensive flexibility, could be the deal’s centerpiece. Cruz is currently batting .275 in Single-A ball with seven errors in 207 innings.
The question becomes whether the Cubs can put together enough of an incentive package to make the deal work. With Alcantara’s struggles and hefty contract, Miami might be more willing to negotiate than expected. For Chicago, it’s a calculated risk that could pay massive dividends if the former Cy Young winner can rediscover his dominant form.