After their World Series loss last season, the New York Yankees were seen as the favorites in the American League for the new season. However, after a few injuries, the team has become much more vulnerable—an issue given their hefty payroll. Losing Gerrit Cole, who underwent surgery and will miss the rest of the year, is a major setback for New York, and he will certainly be missed.
Despite this, the Yankees have a history of acquiring star players, and there’s still time to make a move. In the past, the Yankees would have already pulled the trigger on such a deal. But now, there are doubts about whether they will. If they intend to prove they’re still the dominant “evil empire,” they may want to pursue Sandy Alcántara, who could be available. Jack Rotolo of Last Word on Sports suggested that trading for the pricey right-hander would be a wise move in light of Cole’s injury.
Rotolo pointed out that the Miami Marlins are likely headed for a rough season, so they might be open to trading their ace. Alcántara, who missed 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, has returned to his previous form, resembling the pitcher who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022. The Yankees have a strong history of trading for key players from the Marlins, such as Giancarlo Stanton, Michael King, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Nathan Eovaldi. If they can acquire Alcántara, despite the high cost, they should go for it.
As the start of the season nears, there’s little time left for the Yankees to make a move. Alcántara hasn’t been traded yet, and it’s unlikely he will be before the deadline. However, if the Yankees present an offer that the Marlins can’t turn down, a deal could happen sooner. Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Marlins aren’t currently looking to trade Alcántara, which complicates things a bit.
“The Marlins, usually willing to trade anyone, are saying for now that Alcántara isn’t going anywhere. Alcántara missed 2024 due to Tommy John surgery, but he’s throwing 101 mph in camp and is a true competitor. It would be a major acquisition. The lack of trade buzz around a former Cy Young winner suggests the Marlins may want to keep him, at least for now,” Heyman wrote.
Despite Heyman’s update, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported earlier in March that Alcántara will be on an innings limit this season due to past injuries. This could actually work in the Yankees’ favor, as it would allow Alcántara to be fresh for a potential postseason push later in the year. “Teams are already speculating that Alcántara might be available at the trade deadline, as the Marlins are unlikely to contend this season and his contract runs through 2026 with a club option for 2027. He’ll be on an innings limit, particularly early in the season, leaving open the possibility of him pitching into October if needed,” Passan stated.
