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Could the Braves swing a blockbuster trade for Marlins star Sandy Alcantara?
The 2025 season was certainly disappointing for the Atlanta Braves. After entering the campaign with high expectations, the Braves finished the year with an underwhelming 76-86 record. With this, the Braves finished fourth in the National League East and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
With the Braves coming off a down season, they responded by having a pretty active offseason. The Braves brought in several new players, which include Robert Suarez, Mike Yastrzemski, Mauricio Dubon, Martin Perez, Jorge Mateo, and Jonah Heim. They also re-signed Ha-Seong Kim and Raisel Iglesias.
With this, the Braves are entering the 2026 season with the hope of bouncing back. However, even with the moves the Braves have made, it is fair to argue that they should not be done yet. One of their biggest needs is another impactful starter, as their pitching rotation is in need of a boost.
Because of this, the Braves are now being viewed as a potential landing spot for one of the league’s biggest trade candidates.
Braves Named Potential Landing Spot for Star Pitcher Sandy Alcantara
In a recent article for CBS Sports, Mike Axisa took a look at a handful of baseball’s top trade candidates who could be moved ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline. Among the players discussed was Miami Marlins star pitcher Sandy Alcantara. This is understandable, as he has been in the rumor mill for multiple seasons now.
“The Marlins moved two veteran-ish starters this offseason (Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers) but hung on to Alcantara, who was a prime trade candidate last winter and again at last year’s trade deadline. He instead remains in Miami. How long will that last? I don’t think it will be too much longer given his $17 million salary this year and $21 million club option next year,” Axisa wrote.
Axisa then named the Braves as one of the three potential landing spots for Alcantara this season. The other two clubs named were the Chicago Cubs and the San Francisco Giants.
With the Braves in need of another impactful starting pitcher, it is easy to understand why they are being viewed as a potential landing spot for Alcantara. If they landed him, he would provide the top half of their rotation with a big boost as they look to be contenders again in 2026.
Alcantara is coming off a tough 2025 season, though, as he had an 11-12 record and a 5.36 ERA in 31 games. Yet, when looking at the former Cy Young Award winner’s resume, there is clear reason to believe that he can bounce back in a big way. Due to this, he would be a big addition for the Braves if brought in.
Braves Won’t Be Only Team Pursuing Alcantara
If the Marlins end up shopping Alcantara, the Braves will not be the only team interested. Playoff teams are always on the hunt for high-impact starters, and Alcantara is exactly that when performing at his best. Because of this, Atlanta will have competition to land him.
It will be fascinating to see if the Braves can swing a deal with the Marlins for Alcantara.
Michael DeRosa Michael covers the NHL for Heavy.com. He has professionally covered the NHL since 2017 and has written for other publications like The Hockey News, BetMGM, Athlon Sports, and The Hockey Writers. More about Michael DeRosa
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