Sandy Alcantara is called key to Marlins' future, but not in an expected way

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Sandy Alcantara is called key to Marlins' future, but not in an expected way originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The 2026 season for the Miami Marlins was never going to be a contending season, but it is a year to get a better look at the players who will make up the future of the franchise.

It's clear that some players, like Otto Lopez, Xavier Edwards, and Owen Caissie, are the future of this team. But what about the other players and stars on the roster? Sandy Alcantara is one name worth diving into.

Alcantara was identified by USA Today's Bob Nightengale as a "key" to the future success of the Marlins, which is not a surprise. However, the reason why Alcantara is a key for the future of the franchise is not for the reason one would expect.

Sandy Alcantara is key to Marlins not as an ace, but as a trade chip​

"Really, their key to the future is Alcantara, and getting the parts they need to return to contention," Nightegnale writes.

The Marlins key to the future is Alcantara, but not as their ace on the pitching staff, but as a player they trade to acquire talents to further improve the roster.

Nightengale outlined such a plan a bit more and pointed out how the Marlins need Alcantara to pitch better this season to be able to field a stronger trade return.

"They are slowly improving, but for them to go where they really want to go, they need Sandy Alcantara to pitch better to move him for prized prospects at the trade deadline," Nightengale writes.

This season, Alcantara has a 4.00 ERA with 48 strikeouts and a 3-3 record in 11 starts. That's not ideal for Alcantara, and might result in a lesser trade return if he can't turn things around soon.

MORE: Mets projected to still sell at trade deadline by ex-MLB GM

Alcantara is under club control for one more season with a club option in 2027, which should help the Marlins receive a better package for the former Cy Young winner.

Trade offers for Alcantara are likely to come ahead of the August 3rd trade deadline this season, and while the Marlins could elect to keep him like they did last year, now might be the best time to trade him away.

Selling him now could net a fairly strong return, especially if he turns it around soon. And with that trade return, the Marlins could be better set up for long-term success than holding onto Alcantara would bring.

It's a fascinating situation, as Alcantara is the key to the future of the Marlins, but not as a player on the team, but rather what he could bring back in a trade. It makes sense, as a good trade return could set Miami up for long-term success.

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