Sandy Alcantara throws Marlins' shade as Cubs fans imagine what could happen

Oft-rumored Chicago Cubs' trade target Sandy Alcantara was the one left behind this offseason. The Miami Marlins moved Edward Cabrera to the Cubs and Ryan Weathers to the New York Yankees, leaving Alcantara in place as the team's ace. Teams like the Cubs scoffed at the asking price for Alcantara at the trade deadline last season, mainly because of his struggles at the time, but he's regained his Cy Young form to open the 2026 season.

Through his first two starts this season, Alcantara has tossed 16 shutout innings while striking out over 21% of the hitters he faced. His opponents have been the Colorado Rockies and Chicago White Sox, for some context, but his stuff has looked excellent. Against the White Sox last week, he tossed a complete-game shutout in under 100 pitches. Otherwise known as a "Maddux".

After his outing, he may have taken a slight swipe at Marlin fans.

A game between the Marlins and White Sox in Miami during the first week of the regular season, we're not saying Alcantara is wrong, but we certainly understand why fans weren't exactly eager to see this one.

Could the Cade Horton injury put Sandy Alcantara back into the Cubs' trade deadline plans?

If anything, it's a reminder that Alcantara's future may not be in Miami. He has a $21 million club option in his contract for the 2027 season, but if the Marlins aren't in contention by the time the trade deadline rolls around, the first week of August, he is going to be one of the top starting pitchers available.

Even with the Cubs already trading Owen Caissie to the Marlins, they have some enticing pieces to offer in a potential deal. Jaxon Wiggins will likely be off limits, but the Cubs may be willing to center a package around Jefferson Rojas or Matt Shaw.

That desire may be tied to Cade Horton's status. If Horton's injury is severe to the point it jeopardizes his return this season, it stands to reason the Cubs will be in the market for a starting pitcher at the deadline. The Cubs have depth to get them by, but Horton was included in their thought of having an effective rotation for a playoff series in October. If Horton isn't in that conversation, that could be an indicator of the direction the Cubs take in the trade market this season.

There would also be a benefit in adding Alcantara beyond this season. Matthew Boyd, Shota Imanaga, and Jameson Taillon are all free agents next offseason. With the club option, the Cubs would have control over Alcantara in 2027. Not only giving them another top-of-the-rotation arm, but needed stability for the rotation.