The Houston Astros are reportedly in serious trade discussions with the Miami Marlins to acquire former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara. The talks represent a potential shift in Houston’s deadline strategy, as their previous pursuit of San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease is said to have cooled.
Alcantara’s return from the Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2024 season has been inconsistent. The right-hander holds a 6.36 ERA over 109 innings, with a career-low 16.8% strikeout rate and significant hard contact allowed. However, there are signs of a potential turnaround. Alcantara’s fastball is still averaging a strong 97.5 mph, and he has not allowed an earned run over his last 12 innings, flashing the dominant form of his past.
This mixed performance presents a challenge for the Marlins, who must decide whether to trade their top remaining asset now or wait until the offseason in hopes that a stronger finish will increase his value. Despite his struggles, Alcantara has also drawn interest from the Mets, Cubs, Red Sox, and Padres, creating a competitive market.
For the Astros, a move for Alcantara is a stark contrast to targeting Cease, who is an impending free agent. Alcantara is under team control through 2027, owed the remainder of his $17 million salary in 2025, $17 million in 2026, and has a $21 million club option for 2027 with a $2 million buyout. This long-term financial commitment would likely push the Astros, who worked to stay under the luxury tax threshold last winter, back into paying the tax.
Facing a tight AL West race with the Mariners and Rangers, Houston’s ownership may be willing to make the investment for a much-needed rotation reinforcement. If Alcantara rediscovers his elite form, his salary would be a relative bargain for a frontline pitcher. The move would also provide a long-term solution for the rotation, as current ace Framber Valdez is set to enter free agency after the season.
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