Astros Eye Sandy Alcantara as Trade Deadline Nears
So here’s what’s buzzing in the baseball world right now — the Houston Astros are reportedly in serious talks with the Miami Marlins about acquiring Sandy Alcantara. This news comes right as the trade deadline looms, and it’s definitely raised some eyebrows across the league. According to Michael Schwab, both sides are interested and engaged, although nothing seems close to being finalized just yet.
Now, if you remember, Alcantara sat out the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. And his return this year? Well, it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster. Over 109 innings, he’s posted a 6.36 ERA, which is far from ideal, and he’s allowing more hard contact than we’re used to seeing from him. His strikeout rate has also dipped — currently sitting at a career-low 16.8%. But here’s the thing: there have been moments — especially in his last couple of starts — where he’s shown glimpses of the dominant pitcher who once took home the NL Cy Young Award. In fact, he’s thrown 12 innings recently without giving up an earned run, which is promising.
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The big issue here for Miami is figuring out whether to move him now, while his value is questionable, or wait until the offseason when he might look more like his old self. If Alcantara can continue to string together strong outings, his trade value could bounce back in a big way.
Interestingly, the Astros’ pursuit of Alcantara might be tied to their cooling interest in Dylan Cease, who they were previously targeting. The Padres, it seems, aren't keen on parting with Cease — or maybe they’re just driving a hard bargain. Alcantara, unlike Cease, isn’t a rental. He’s under contract through the 2027 season, with a team option for that final year. That makes him a much longer-term play, but also a more expensive one — financially and in terms of the trade return.
From Houston’s perspective, the timing makes sense. The AL West race is tight, with the Mariners and Rangers pushing hard. Astros owner Jim Crane may be willing to go over the luxury tax threshold again if it means giving the team a real shot at another postseason run. And with Framber Valdez heading into free agency, Alcantara could even serve as a potential long-term replacement if Valdez ends up walking.
So while nothing’s set in stone yet, this could be one of those moves that shapes not just the stretch run of 2025 — but the Astros’ rotation for years to come. It’s a gamble, sure. But if Alcantara rediscovers his elite form, it could pay off big.
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