MLB Rumors: Braves Linked To Marlins' Ace
After losing Max Fried to the Yankees and Charlie Morton to the Baltimore Orioles, Atlanta has yet to make a major addition to its starting staff.
Spencer Strider is working his way back from elbow surgery, while Chris Sale's durability remains a concern. The team has depth options in Ian Anderson, Bryce Elder, and A.J. Smith-Shawver, but their World Series aspirations may push them to acquire a more proven arm.
Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer noted that even if Alcantara returns only to his 2023 form (4.14 ERA), he would still be a valuable addition. "If he returns to ace form, that much more so," Rymer wrote.
Sandy Alcantara was sitting 98-99 mph in his first #SpringTraining outing! 👀 pic.twitter.com/Qv1r4UCrK7
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) February 24, 2025
Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, missed all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery but has been showing promising signs in his comeback.
In his first spring training outing, he touched 99 mph while working a scoreless inning against the Mets. Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix acknowledged that while Alcantara remains an important part of the team, Miami is open to offers.
"We never rule out anything. We listen to everything," Bendix said. With the Marlins in the early stages of a rebuild, trading Alcantara—who is under contract through 2026 with a club option for 2027—could bring back significant prospect capital.
Sandy Alcantara, 99mph ⛽️
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) February 23, 2025
Welcome back! pic.twitter.com/xreLdjmU5c
A trade within the division is always complicated, but Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has a history of surprising moves.
The Chicago Cubs and New York Mets are also reportedly in the mix, but Atlanta’s need for rotation stability makes them a serious contender.
If Alcantara proves he is back to form, his value will only increase, making a midseason deal more expensive. If the Braves want to strike before the price rises, they may have to act quickly to land an ace at a relative discount.
Photo Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
