MIAMI — If he have been to change into out there this season, Sandy Alcantara would probably change into probably the most coveted pitcher on the commerce market.
The Marlins ace is 29 and coming off Tommy John surgical procedure, however his fastball nonetheless flirts with triple digits and, with a Cy Younger award to his identify, he stays amongst MLB’s high pitching skills.
The Mets misplaced to Alcantara and the Marlins 4-2 on Tuesday in his second begin again from surgical procedure.
They beforehand noticed sufficient of Alcantara — who went 5 innings and gave up two runs on three hits whereas putting out 4 on Tuesday — in spring coaching to know the arsenal continues to be there.
He additionally pitches for a franchise in one other rebuild and can probably waste prime years till he reaches free company — the right-hander is signed by means of 2026, and the Marlins maintain a membership choice on him for 2027.
Will the Marlins commerce him this season?
It’s a notion the group’s president of baseball operations Peter Bendix didn’t dismiss when speaking to reporters final week.
The Mets are undoubtedly paying consideration.
Within the clubhouse, the Mets’ franchise participant appeared intrigued by the potential for Alcantara, when it was broached to him by The Put up on Tuesday.
“It might be among the best trades that we may have,” Juan Soto mentioned. “I do know we’ve got nice pitching right here, however including a Cy Younger winner like that will be large.”
Soto added: “It’s going to take lots to get him.”
However the Mets outfielder is assured that if the Mets have been to land Alcantara, the pitcher would convey his recreation to a fair larger degree.
“If he goes to a group that has an opportunity to compete on the finish, I feel you will see who he’s,” Soto mentioned. “He’s doing that on a group that has no severe probability to go to the playoffs, however he retains making an attempt and competing even with out run help. At any time when he goes to a successful group you will see what Sandy Alcantara is able to.”
Soto was requested what’s so particular about Alcantara.
“He’s actually sensible and he is aware of what he’s doing,” Soto mentioned. “He’s actually courageous. He’s not scared to come back at folks, and he’s going to assault you when he does.”
If there’s a priority about this Mets group, it’s a beginning rotation that lacks a real ace.
Kodai Senga carried that label two years in the past, however the right-hander missed nearly all of final season and returned to the mound Tuesday in opposition to the Marlins.
Clay Holmes, David Peterson, Griffin Canning and Tylor Megill are the opposite members of that rotation in its current kind, with Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas each off on the horizon.
Manaea’s rehab from an indirect pressure went backward in current days and will probably be shut down for not less than two weeks.
Paul Blackburn is one other pitcher within the beginning rotation combine on the injured listing.
Alcantara would probably give the Mets a top-of-the-rotation presence to problem a Chris Sale, Zack Wheeler or Blake Snell within the postseason.
“It might nearly be like including Soto,” Francisco Lindor mentioned. “You add Soto, it’s going to assist the group. You add Alcantara and it’s going to assist the group.”
Starling Marte, who spent two seasons as Alcantara’s teammate with the Marlins, mentioned the All-Star pitcher would thrive within the New York highlight.
“He has the stuff and the psychological make-up to have the ability to play in New York,” Marte mentioned by means of an interpreter. “He’s obtained the psychological power and bodily presents to have the ability to have success right here, and I feel we’ve got proven that we assist pitchers much more.”
