Former MLB GM just wrecked the Cubs’ trade deadline strategy

Just about every Major League Baseball insider expects that the Chicago Cubs will add to their starting rotation ahead of the Trade Deadline, and beyond that, the belief is that the Cubs will look for a starting pitcher who can slot at the top of their rotation. One of the names most bandied about in Cubs' rumors has been Miami Marlins' starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara. A former Cy Young Award winner, Alcantara is the biggest trade chip on the Marlins' roster, but his struggles this season could impact a potential move at the deadline.

Alcantara is working his way back this season from Tommy John surgery that wiped out his entire 2024 season. In 13 starts with the Marlins this season, Alcantara has posted 7.14 ERA. While his last two outings have been encouraging, 12 innings pitched with only 2 earned runs and 10 strikeouts, it needs to be mentioned that those starts were against the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates. In other words, teams likely won't use those two starts as definitive evidence that Alcantara is back in Cy Young form.

Having said that, his track record and the fact that he is under team control through 2026 with a club option for the 2027 season likely will have teams in line to make a move. However, Jim Bowden's latest intel from The Athletic is that the Marlins are not inclined to move their ace at this year's deadline.

"Don’t expect the Marlins to trade Sandy Alcantara (7.14 ERA over 13 starts) while his value is down. Instead, they’re expected to keep him until he regains his Cy Young Award form, which might not happen until later this year and maybe even next," Bowden reports.

Sandy Alcantara rumors take a different tone

In this case, the fact that Alcantara is under team control beyond this season could work against teams like the Cubs, who may have the hopes of acquiring him at the deadline. While the Marlins have been eager to move players in the past, they may wait until Alcantara truly regains his Cy Young form. Doing so would likely eliminate the idea that teams may have of trying to trade for Alcantara while his value is lower than his performance in previous seasons suggests it should be.

Of course, the Cubs do have the prospects that would likely have the Marlins listen. In a way, that will be a test for Jed Hoyer and how much he believes in the Cubs' 2025 chances.