Cubs, Padres Pitching Target Sandy Alcántara ‘Aware He’ll be Traded’

This time of year every baseball season gets fansas excited as ever, but players worry about having to uproot themselves and start over fresh.

One pitcher who is a target of both the Chicago Cubs and the San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara, is feeling this in the final week leading up to the trade deadline. He is reportedly telling those close to him he knows a trade is coming.

“A person very close to Sandy Alcántara told me he’ll be traded. ‘He’s aware he’ll be traded and has already packed all his things to leave Miami,'” MLB insider Héctor Gómez wrote on Twitter.

Alcántara’s value has only increased since his strong outing on Wednesday against the Padres. He threw seven innings with only one unearned run scored against him. Alcántara struck out four batters and walked none in that outing.

In his first season since returning from Tommy John surgery, Alcántara has posted multiple outings like this one where he seems to be turning the corner and returning to his 2022 Cy Young form. However, he’s been unable to string these quality starts together and build momentum as evidenced by his 6.66 ERA through 20 starts.

While fans of contenders are licking their lips hoping their general managers acquire Alcántara, this side of the story is one fans don’t often see. As much as he wants to win, it’s clear Alcántara has made himself at home in Miami.

The Marlins, in an ideal world, would love to keep him, but the business side of the game is likely going to dictate otherwise.

More MLB: Padres Reportedly May Flip Dylan Cease, Acquire Sandy Alcántara at Deadline