Speculation is mounting about a possible trade sending Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara to the Los Angeles Dodgers, potentially more impactful than pursuing Detroit's Tarik Skubal. Alcantara, recovering from Tommy John surgery, expressed optimism about his health ahead of spring training. The deal could bolster the Dodgers' already deep rotation at a bargain price.
The Los Angeles Dodgers may not need to chase Detroit Tigers ace Tarik Skubal, who is unlikely to be traded before the deadline and enters the final year of his $32 million contract. Instead, Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara emerges as a compelling target. The 30-year-old underwent Tommy John surgery in 2024, missing much of two seasons, and posted a 5.36 ERA in 2025. However, he showed improvement late in the year and feels healthier than ever.
At Marlins media day, Alcantara reflected on his recovery: “Coming back from TJ, you're not going to do great since the first day. You’ve got to be step by step. Mentally, I was thinking too much, people talking negative about myself. They don't know that I was the best pitcher in 2022, but yeah, that's the past. I know it, and I’ve just got to be able to be healthy this year, showing the people in Spring Training that I can do great and just got to keep believing, and those opportunities that this organization can give to me.” The 2022 National League Cy Young winner's injury history has lowered his trade value, making him an attractive buy-low option.
The Dodgers boast a strong rotation featuring Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Shohei Ohtani (2.87 ERA in 14 games), Tyler Glasnow, River Ryan, Gavin Stone, and Roki Sasaki. Yet, the team, led by Andrew Friedman, rarely settles and could add depth with Alcantara's affordable contract, including a club option for 2027. A proposed package might include Emmet Sheehan, a former top-100 prospect with MLB experience, and another top-10 Dodgers prospect like Tibbs III, offering the Marlins flexibility and future value.
For Miami, trading Alcantara aligns with their rebuild, as they were unlikely to retain him long-term. Sheehan's versatility as a starter or reliever appeals, while Tibbs III could contribute in the outfield soon. The Marlins might prefer dealing now on name value or waiting for a bounce-back, but the Dodgers' resources could revive Alcantara's career, enhancing their pursuit of a three-peat despite shared injury risks in the staff.