MLB Trade Rumors: Ideal Trade Fit Named for Sandy Alcantara

There are plenty of rumors floating around about Miami Marlins' former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara. Will he be traded or won't he? One recent report suggested that the Fish will hang on to him right up until the trade deadline, but then will deal him.

As of now, the clamour to land Alcantara has simmered down quite a bit, as the 29-year-old is off to a dreadful start in his comeback season after Tommy John surgery in 2023. Thus far, he has a 6.56 ERA in five starts, with a meager 17:12 K/BB ratio in 23.1 innings.

But on the assumption that he does regain his form, even something remotely resembling his All-Star form, there is one team that has been deemed the "ideal" fit for Alcantara, as posited by Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report:

The Baltimore Orioles.

Orioles seen as ideal fit for a Sandy Alcantara trade

The O's were thought to be a strong contender in the American League East this season, but have stumbled out of the gate to a 10-17 start, and sit in last place in the division. And pitching is the culprit.

The Orioles refused to pony up the cash this past winter to shore up their starting staff, and let their ace, Corbin Burnes, go off to the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency (Yes, he's off to a shaky start with the Snakes, but that's not the point).

All the Orioles did on the pitching side of things was acquire Zach Eflin in a trade (and yes, he's been better than expected with a 3.00 ERA), and sign 41-year-old Charlie Morton (he's been much, much worse than expected, with a 10.36 ERA). And injury troubles continue to plague the promising Grayson Rodriguez.

Baltimore sits dead last in the majors with a 5.37 ERA, 29th in WHIP at 1.56, and 29th in batting average allowed, at .287.

Of all the teams with starting pitching issues (many due to injuries, like the Yankees, Dodgers and Cubs), no team is in worse shape than the Orioles.

And of course, they have the high-level prospects on the offensive side of the ball that the Marlins desperately need.

The biggest question is, will it be too late by the end of July for the Orioles, who could be out of contention by then.

If they don't go all-in, there are a few other teams that would prime trade suitors for Alcantara.