Marlins fans receive huge update from MLB Insider on Sandy Alcantara's future in Miami

As the 2026 MLB offseason comes to an end, a popular name still on the pitching market is former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara, who many speculated could be a trade candidate for the Miami Marlins.

Despite finishing with a record under .500, Miami had a promising season, placing third in a tough National League East division and seeing breakout seasons from several young players, like Kyle Stowers and Agustín Ramírez.

With a young core emerging and little time before the start of spring training, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal now thinks Alcántara will be with the team at the start of the season. “If they wanted to trade him this offseason, they probably would've done it by now,” Rosenthal said on Foul Territory.

"If they wanted to trade him this offseason, they probably would've done it by now."@Ken_Rosenthal doesn't expect the Marlins to trade Sandy Alcántara at this moment. pic.twitter.com/9rP9EsNNrb

Alcántara trade speculation lingers

After trading pitcher Ryan Weathers and letting their most efficient starter from last season, Edward Cabrera, sign with the Chicago Cubs in free agency, fans believed Alcántara would be the next piece moved as the team looked to recoup assets and continue building around their young team. 

Following his NL Cy Young campaign in 2022, Alcántara underwent Tommy John surgery that ended his 2023 season and sidelined him for all of 2024.

In his first full season back in 2025, Alcántara finished with a 5.36 ERA and an 11-12 record. He struggled with command, throwing the second-most walks of his career and allowing the most runs of his career.

However, Alcántara bounced back in the second half of his season, finding control and posting a 3.34 ERA in the second half of the season and attracting contenders like the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Houston Astros to inquire about his services.

Keeping Alcántara until at least the trade deadline would allow the Marlins to keep a veteran presence in the locker room that could help mentor arms like Eury Pérez and Max Meyer, both pitchers who have shown promise but have also dealt with a history of injuries.

With their divisional rivals, the New York Mets, Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies all making major offseason moves to push for a World Series, Miami will need its young starting rotation to neutralize powerful offenses.

If Alcántara returns to his 2022 form, and the club's emerging offensive core continues to develop, the Marlins could enter the season as a dark horse candidate for a wild card spot.