Chicago’s Pitching Crisis Hits a Snag
The Chicago Cubs face a pressing need for starting pitching as the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline looms, with Justin Steele out for the season and Shota Imanaga recovering from injury. However, a prime target, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, may be off the table, per Foul Territory’s Robert Murray.
“I would not be surprised whatsoever if the Marlins held onto him,” Murray said. “And try to wait until the offseason, or maybe next trade deadline, to try and trade him.”
Alcantara’s Struggles Lower Trade Value
Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, has struggled in 2025, posting a 7.14 ERA over 13 starts and 63 innings, allowing a league-high 50 earned runs. His -1.2 WAR and 60 ERA+ mark a stark contrast to his 2.28 ERA and MLB-leading 228⅔ innings in 2022. Returning from a missed 2024 due to injury, Alcantara’s 50 strikeouts haven’t offset his rough outings.
Murray noted that Alcantara’s poor performance has diminished his trade value, prompting the Marlins to consider retaining him until his stock rebounds. This shift dashes Chicago’s hopes of acquiring the pitcher at a reduced cost, which initially seemed feasible given his uncharacteristic season.
Cubs Must Pivot
The Cubs, reliant on Matthew Boyd and others to fill rotation gaps, now face a tougher trade market without Alcantara. His proven talent made him a tantalizing option, but Miami’s strategy to hold him forces Chicago to explore other arms to bolster their playoff push.
Can the Cubs find a starter to salvage their rotation, or will Alcantara’s absence haunt their deadline plans? Stay tuned for trade deadline updates!