In what could become the biggest storyline of the 2025 MLB trade season, New York Yankees insiders say the team is making an all-out push to acquire Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara following his sudden removal from the Marlins’ rotation.
Sources around the league confirm that Alcantara was unexpectedly pulled from his scheduled start this week, with Marlins officials citing “internal discussions and strategic planning.” While no injury was reported, the abrupt change has sparked a wave of speculation across Major League Baseball—and the Yankees appear ready to strike.
According to USA Today’s MLB insider Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are doing “everything possible” to bring the 2022 NL Cy Young winner to the Bronx.
“I think you’ll have the Yankees doing everything they can,” Nightengale said on Dodgers Dougout Live. “With the Marlins likely fielding calls from at least 10 teams, New York is expected to be one of the most aggressive suitors.”
The Perfect Fit
The Yankees’ need for starting pitching is no secret. With Gerrit Cole out for the season and Luis Gil also sidelined, the rotation has struggled beyond offseason pickups Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. Despite a strong 15-10 start and first-place standing in the AL East, the Yankees’ starting ERA of 4.69 ranks 26th in baseball.
Alcantara, though off to a rough start in 2025 (6.56 ERA in five starts), is still viewed as one of the most dominant arms in the league. He remains under a team-friendly deal worth $56 million, with two years of guaranteed control remaining and a club option for 2028.
“He’s the kind of arm that can change a season,” one AL executive told Newsweek. “If you’re the Yankees and you want to win now, he’s worth the cost.”
A Steep Price Tag
Make no mistake—the Marlins will demand a major haul. Nightengale compared the potential asking price to what the Padres gave up for Juan Soto in 2022, suggesting the Yankees could be forced to part with multiple top prospects.
Fortunately, New York has the farm system to pull it off. Prospects like Spencer Jones, Will Warren, and Chase Hampton could be in the mix if a deal materializes.
The Cubs, Orioles, and Dodgers have also been loosely connected to Alcantara, but Nightengale believes the Yankees hold the edge due to both urgency and prospect depth.
What’s Next?
While the Marlins have yet to publicly confirm whether Alcantara is on the trade block, all signs point toward an imminent move—especially after this week’s mysterious removal from the rotation.
For now, Yankees fans will wait anxiously as the front office works behind the scenes. If they land Alcantara, it could be the blockbuster that not only saves their rotation—but fuels a run at title No. 28.
