NEW YORK — The New York Yankees have renewed trade discussions with the Miami Marlins, targeting starting pitchers Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera as the club seeks reinforcements ahead of Thursday’s MLB trade deadline.
The Yankees, who sit 5½ games behind Toronto in the AL East after a midseason slide, have turned their attention to Miami’s top arms following a wave of injuries to their rotation. The move comes as New York continues to evaluate rotation upgrades after addressing the infield last week with trades for Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario.
Alcantara drawing interest despite rocky return
Alcantara, 29, has drawn increased interest after throwing seven scoreless innings against San Diego in his most recent outing. Despite posting a 6.66 ERA in his return from Tommy John surgery, scouts view his latest start as a sign of a potential rebound.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, teams around the league now believe the Marlins will seriously consider moving the 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner. Alcantara is under contract through 2026 at $17 million annually, with a $21 million club option for 2027. Miami is not expected to rush a deal, but league sources say the front office is open to discussions if the right offer is presented.
The Yankees are among several clubs linked to Alcantara, joining the Cubs, Blue Jays, Padres, Red Sox and Mets as potential suitors. League insiders believe any deal for Alcantara would require a substantial return due to his track record and remaining team control.
Cabrera’s stock continues to rise
Meanwhile, right-hander Edward Cabrera has also generated widespread interest across the league. Cabrera, 27, has posted a 3.48 ERA with 92 strikeouts and a 2.99 FIP over his last 13 starts. He is under team control through 2028, making him one of the most coveted arms on the market.
According to ESPN’s Alden Gonzalez, Cabrera is viewed by many executives as more likely to be moved than Alcantara, given his current form and years of team control. The Marlins, who recently climbed to 50–54 and sit third in the NL East, are reportedly leaning toward selling despite a recent 25–13 run.
The Cubs and Red Sox are also considered strong contenders for Cabrera, but the Yankees have the motivation and financial flexibility to compete for either pitcher. New York has reportedly shown interest in Cabrera for several weeks and could be preparing a formal offer before the deadline.
Yankees rotation in urgent need
With the Yankees’ rotation depleted, the front office has made pitching a priority. Gerrit Cole is out for the season, Luis Gil is still in rehab, Marcus Stroman has become unreliable, and recent fill-ins have been inconsistent. Manager Aaron Boone has not publicly addressed trade targets, but general manager Brian Cashman has signaled that pitching help remains a top deadline focus.
Proposals involving top Yankees prospects such as outfielder George Lombard Jr. have reportedly been discussed in connection with Cabrera. The Yankees have been hesitant to move elite minor league talent in past deadlines, but internal pressure to keep pace in a tightening AL playoff race may shift their strategy.
Miami holds the cards
Miami is expected to hold firm in negotiations. Both Alcantara and Cabrera are under long-term control, and the front office is not believed to be under pressure to make a deal. However, the Marlins’ ongoing rebuild and need for offensive depth could encourage them to move at least one starter if they receive a competitive offer.
Alcantara’s resume — including two All-Star appearances, a Cy Young Award and a career 3.38 ERA over seven seasons — makes him the most high-profile arm on the market despite his struggles in 2025. His July 25 outing against San Diego reignited league-wide attention and has drawn fresh evaluations from contending teams.
Cabrera, a former top prospect, has emerged as a steady force in Miami’s rotation. His ability to miss bats and control right-handed hitters makes him a logical fit for Yankee Stadium’s righty-heavy division opponents.
Marlins likely to seek MLB-ready bats and young pitching depth
If the Yankees hope to land either Alcantara or Cabrera, it won’t come cheap.
According to league sources, the Marlins are expected to target controllable, MLB-ready position players and pitching depth as they continue reshaping a roster that ranks near the bottom of the league in team OPS and run production. Miami’s front office is believed to be prioritizing young offensive talent on the infield and outfield, along with high-upside arms who could develop into mid-rotation starters or leverage relievers.
For the Yankees, that could mean parting with a combination of AAA infielders, young outfielders with power potential, and second-tier pitching prospects from their top 30 organizational rankings. Miami’s long-term needs align with acquiring talent that can slot into their everyday lineup by 2026, especially at third base, shortstop, and the corner outfield spots.
Cabrera’s years of team control and recent performance suggest the Marlins would require multiple assets, including at least one player with immediate big-league readiness. Alcantara, though underperforming in 2025, would likely command a similar return due to his track record and favorable contract.
Rival executives say the Marlins hold leverage because of both pitchers’ contracts and league-wide scarcity of starting arms. One National League front office source told reporters, “Miami wants controllable hitters more than lottery arms. If a team can’t offer that, they’re not getting in the door.”
Decision time approaches
With just two days remaining before the July 31 trade deadline, the Yankees are positioned as one of the most active clubs in the market. Whether they land Alcantara, Cabrera, or neither, their pursuit of Miami’s top arms signals a clear intention: stay aggressive, patch the rotation, and reassert control in the AL playoff race.
The Marlins, while in no rush, are listening.
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