Ex-Marlins ace bets big on Alcantara heading to Yankees via trade

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Ex-Marlins World Series champion and analyst Dontrelle Willis bets on the Yankees making a trade for Sandy Alcantara to boost championship dreams.

As the Yankees navigate early-season rotation challenges in 2025, a prominent National League ace has emerged in trade discussions that could reshape New York’s pitching landscape: Sandy Alcantara.

The speculation gained significant traction Wednesday evening when Dontrelle Willis, former Marlins World Series champion turned FOX Sports analyst, advocated for a potential blockbuster move. During his broadcast appearance, Willis alluded to a scenario he believed would benefit the Yankees.

“The bottom line is they may have to go out and get somebody from Miami,” Willis said. “I’m not going to say their names because I’m not a general manager, but you might have to go get the Sandman down there.”

That “Sandman” reference clearly points to Alcantara – the 2022 NL Cy Young winner and established workhorse who remains under contract through at least 2027. With the Yankees’ current pitching situation threatening their championship aspirations, Willis’ suggestion has sparked considerable debate.

Yankees rotation depth faces early tests

Injuries have rapidly depleted what appeared to be one of baseball’s strongest rotations entering the season.

Gerrit Cole, the team’s ace and 2023 AL Cy Young runner-up, was lost for the entire campaign in March following Tommy John surgery. Luis Gil subsequently suffered a lat strain, sidelining him into May. Clarke Schmidt only recently made his delayed season debut after spring shoulder issues, while Marcus Stroman, acquired to strengthen the rotation, landed on the IL last week with knee inflammation.

Through mid-April, Yankees starters have compiled a collective 4.96 ERA, ranking 28th across MLB. Beyond newcomer Max Fried – who has delivered elite numbers through four starts (1.88 ERA, 1.17 WHIP) – the staff has struggled for consistency:

• Carlos Rodón: 5.48 ERA, 1.13 WHIP
• Will Warren: 5.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP
• Carlos Carrasco: 5.94 ERA, 1.32 WHIP
• Marcus Stroman: 11.57 ERA, 2.04 WHIP

This performance decline has intensified calls for GM Brian Cashman to explore trade possibilities. Few available targets combine Alcantara’s reputation and potential impact.

Alcantara’s comeback journey

After missing the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, Alcantara returned to competition this spring determined to reclaim his elite status. In three starts for Miami this season, the 29-year-old right-hander has posted a 2-0 record with a 4.70 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 12 strikeouts across 15.1 innings.

While not yet displaying his Cy Young form, Alcantara’s command and velocity have shown encouraging signs of his pre-surgery capability. Between 2019 and 2022, the Dominican established himself among baseball’s most reliable and effective starters, recording 12 complete games, maintaining a 3.33 career ERA, and achieving an impressive 130 ERA+.

His 2022 campaign – featuring 228.2 innings of dominance that earned unanimous Cy Young recognition – stands as a model performance for contemporary starting pitchers.

Marlins’ history suggests trade possibility

A compelling factor supporting this potential deal is Miami’s established pattern of trading valuable assets before they reach peak contract values. Alcantara, currently the organization’s highest-paid player, operates under a five-year, $56 million contract with a team option for 2028 – reasonable by ace standards but still substantial for Miami’s budget-conscious front office.

At 29 years old with Tommy John surgery already behind him, Alcantara represents both significant potential and calculated risk. With Miami unlikely to contend in 2025, the organization might capitalize on this opportunity to maximize return on a premium asset.

Yankees possess motivation and trade capital

Following their three-game sweep of Kansas City, the Yankees sit atop the AL East at 11-7. However, despite their offensive production and bullpen effectiveness, the rotation vulnerabilities cannot be overlooked.

Max Fried has anchored the starting staff admirably. Nevertheless, with uncertainty surrounding every other rotation spot – and Cole’s absence looming large – the Yankees appear likely to pursue substantial midseason reinforcement. Acquiring Alcantara would not only enhance their 2025 championship prospects but also provide long-term rotation stability.

With a robust farm system featuring major-league-ready talent, New York possesses the necessary resources to facilitate such a transaction. Prospects like Jasson Domínguez, Austin Wells, or Drew Thorpe might become central to negotiations, particularly given Alcantara’s extended team control.

It’s a hefty price, but worth it

Willis acknowledged the complexity involved in executing such a significant transaction but emphasized its importance.

“It’s going to be a hefty price [to acquire Alcantara], but I think I need to see more depth from the Yankees’ pitching if they want to get back to represent the American League in the World Series,” he said.

This perspective resonates throughout the Yankees fanbase. With the current roster constructed for immediate success, relying on unproven arms or journeyman pitchers may prove insufficient for the championship push.

As May approaches, expectations intensify for the Yankees front office to address rotation concerns decisively. Alcantara represents one of the few available options combining proven excellence with contractual stability. Should Miami pivot toward rebuilding – as their history suggests they might – an opportunity for a bold Yankees acquisition could materialize.

The last time New York executed a major deadline acquisition, they secured a championship. Whether Sandy Alcantara becomes the next pivotal addition remains uncertain but increasingly plausible.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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