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MLB Insider Reveals When Deal Will Happen for Cubs Target Alcantara

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jon Conahan | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 5:00 PM ET

The Chicago Cubs won another series over the weekend, beating a very good Arizona Diamondbacks team twice. The Dodgers will have to continue playing this type of baseball moving forward, and things look promising. With the way this team has swung the bat, anything is possible if the pitching continues to hold up.

The pitching is where things get interesting, however, as Justin Steele is out for the remainder of the campaign. With the ace being out, the Cubs will have to get creative, and that will likely come from an external option.

Sandy Alcantara is the guy the Dodgers continue to be linked to, but according to a recent report from Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Miami Marlins are expected to hold on to him before the deadline and will do everything in their power to ensure they get the best possible return.

“The Miami Marlins know they have the game’s biggest trade commodity in ace Sandy Alcantara, but are planning to hang onto him until the final days before the July 31 trade deadline.

“Alcantara, who’s coming off Tommy John surgery, isn’t just a rent-a-player. He’s still under team control through 2027 with a $17.3 million salary in 2026 and a $21 million team option in 2027,” Nightengale wrote.

By waiting to move the right-hander, the Marlins will likely increase his value. Unless the 29-year-old gets injured, the Marlins should be looking at a massive haul in return.

They understand that teams will be desperate at the deadline, including squads like the Cubs, New York Yankees, or even the Los Angeles Dodgers, who continue to show they'll spend with anybody and aren't afraid to add him because they know they'll keep him around in free agency eventually.

That makes things difficult for the Cubs, and Alcantara hasn't been great this season, posting a 7.27 ERA. Still, he's expected to be the best arm available at the deadline.

If so, Chicago should be and looks to be interested.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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