Cubs Rumors: Sandy Alcantara trade buzz is gaining steam again thanks to MLB insider

It's been no secret that the Chicago Cubs are in the market for a starting pitcher, and if recent rumors are to be believed, a trade could happen sooner as opposed to the Cubs waiting until the MLB Trade Deadline. If the Cubs were to make a move for a starting pitcher now, it would seem unlikely that the team would be acquiring an ace. For sellers like the Miami Marlins, holding onto Sandy Alcantara, it makes sense that they hold out until the deadline, when the market will be more defined with buyers.

With Chris Sale recently landing on the IL, it's beginning to look like Alcantara will be the top starting pitcher available on the trade market this season. While the Marlins have been quick to point out that they could defer an Alcantara trade until the offseason, the latest intel from ESPN suggests a move is likely at the deadline. In outlining the trade market, Jeff Passan and Kiley McDaniels place the odds at 60 percent for Alcantara being moved at the deadline.

There will be no shortage of suitors for Alcantara, but in the piece from ESPN, the Cubs are the first team mentioned as the "best fit".

Cubs can’t shake this Sandy Alcantara trade rumor (and it’s back again)

The benefit to the Cubs trading for Alcantara would extend beyond the 2025 season. Alcantara is under contract through 2026, with there also being a club option for the 2027 season. With Justin Steele likely to miss the start of the 2026 season as part of his recovery from Tommy John surgery, acquiring Alcantara now would check an important item off the Cubs' shopping list this offseason.

That said, the primary purpose for adding Alcantara, at least initially, would be to put the Cubs in a position to thrive in the postseason in 2025. As has been discussed previously, despite being a former Cy Young award winner, Alcantara has struggled this season. The encouraging sign, however, is that in his last 4 starts, Alcantara has a 2.74 ERA. In working his way back from his own Tommy John surgery, it seems Alcantara is finally finding himself again.

Trading for Alcantara would be costly, and we likely see Owen Caissie as the centerpiece of the package going to the Marlins from the Cubs. When the Cubs were in past talks with the Marlins about a trade for Jesus Luzardo this offseason, Caissie was believed to be involved in those talks. Trading Caissie for Luzardo would have been risky, but for Alcantara, that is a risk the Cubs' front office may be willing to take.

More Cubs rumors from Cubbies Crib