Marlins 'expect' this much-talked-about Cubs trade target to be in Miami in 2026

Since this summer, trade rumors have surrounded Miami Marlins right-handers Edward Cabrera and Sandy Alcantara. Most expected at least one of the hurlers to be moved ahead of the trade deadline, but Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix didn't find a deal to his liking - as Chicago Cubs fans know, the asking prices put forth by teams like the Marlins were astronomical - and Miami refused to budge.

Both pitchers remain attractive trade targets for teams in need of high-end arms like the Cubs, but according to at least one new report, Miami believes Alcantara will be with the club on Opening Day 2026.

Between Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera, Cabrera appears the more likely trade candidate this offseason—but Miami will only consider a deal that nets an overwhelming return. The organization expects Alcantara to be on the mound for Opening Day 2026.

Cubs' front office will have to play ball if they want a big Marlins arm

Bendix' stance hasn't changed - nor should it - he's not giving away his two most valuable trade assets. If the Cubs wind up scared of free agent prices, they're going to have to meet that asking price, especially when it comes to someone like Cabrera, who is under team control through 2028 via arbitration.

The right-hander checks a lot of boxes in terms of what the Cubs lack in their rotation: plus velocity and a ton of swing and miss - not to mention he's good at keeping the ball on the ground, which is certainly a plus when you have the best defense in baseball lined up behind you.

Alcantara certainly has the more impressive track record. He's a former NL Cy Young Award winner, after all. But he hasn't recaptured that dominance since returning from Tommy John surgery and even if Miami decided to move him, they'd probably be better off waiting to see if he re-establishes himself before flipping him.

The Marlins are just one hypothetical fit in the Cubs' quest to bring an ace to Wrigley Field in 2026. But the fit is there, at least on paper, and I don't think it would surprise anyone if this is the route Hoyer wound up going to address one of his team's most glaring needs this offseason.