Why Marlins shouldn't trade 'pivotal factor' Sandy Alcantara

The Miami Marlins should do everything it takes to make the postseason. 

Unless the NL East club plays terribly over the next two weeks, they should be in the Wild Card mix for the remainder of the year. 

Remarkably, the Atlanta Braves have just a four-game advantage over the Marlins in the division. 

So why would the Marlins entertain trading right-hander and former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara? 

"Similar to the White Sox, we're not entirely convinced the Marlins will actually be buying, but it's looking pretty certain that they won't be selling," Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller wrote Thursday. 

Miami has been the hottest team in baseball since the start of June. 

"Wouldn't make a lick of sense to send Sandy Alcantara packing when he was such a pivotal factor in their MLB-best 26-11 record since the beginning of June. They really ought to be in the market for a few relievers, though," Miller added. 

Alcantara is not back to his Cy Young form, but he does have a 3.99 ERA and has been healthy throughout the year, making 20 starts. 

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His average fastball velocity this season is 97.4 mph, and that plays in the playoffs. 

If the Marlins do make the postseason, they'll need a Game 1 starter, whether it be a Wild Card Series or NLDS. 

Alcantara or All-Star right-hander Max Meyer would be the two best options. 

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