MIAMI -- Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara was the subject of trade speculation all offseason and Spring Training due to the organization¡¯s direction. Talk show fodder picked up even more following Alcantara¡¯s promising Opening Day performance in his return from Tommy John surgery.
Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix addressed the rumors with a small group of reporters on Saturday afternoon ahead of Miami's game against the Pirates at loanDepot park.
¡°It's not even April, so I understand where the questions are coming from," Bendix said, "but until we get to the point of even considering trades, it's not really something that I have much to comment on, other than it's really great to see Sandy looking healthy, looking normal. It's Game 3 of the season.¡±
In 2024, Miami surprised the industry by dealing batting champion Luis Arraez and cash to San Diego for four prospects on May 4, more than two months ahead of the Trade Deadline. After clinching a 2023 National League Wild Card berth, the Marlins opened the ¡®24 season 0-9 and were 13 1/2 games out of first place in the NL East when the Arraez trade was made official.
If the right offer comes along for any Marlin -- whether it be Alcantara or someone else -- could an early deal happen again?
¡°We're always open to anything that is going to make our organization better,¡± Bendix said. ¡°It's unusual for there to be moves like that, right? But obviously, we're open-minded to it.¡±
The 29-year-old Alcantara, who captured the 2022 NL Cy Young Award, is an appealing piece because of his combination of ability and affordability compared to the free-agent pitching market. He is set to make $17.3 million in both 2025 and '26, with a club option for $21 million (a $2 million buyout) in '27.