Chicago Cubs Eye Sandy Alcántara to Replace Injured Justin Steele: A Strategic Move for 2025
The Chicago Cubs are grappling with a significant setback as their ace pitcher, Justin Steele, faces a season-ending elbow injury that could sideline him for the entire 2025 MLB season and potentially impact 2026. To fill this critical void, the Cubs are reportedly targeting Miami Marlins’ $56 million superstar, Sandy Alcántara—a former Cy Young winner and one of the league’s premier pitchers. This 1,000-word article explores why Alcántara is the ideal replacement, the potential impact of this blockbuster trade, and the Cubs’ prospects in the fiercely competitive National League Central.
Justin Steele: A Devastating Loss for the Cubs
Justin Steele, at 29, has solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs’ pitching rotation over the past three seasons. With an ERA consistently below 3.18 from 2022 to 2024 and an All-Star nod in 2023, Steele has been a reliable “ace” for the team. Despite a rocky start to 2025, where he posted a 4.76 ERA across four starts, his seven scoreless innings against the Texas Rangers in early April hinted at a return to form.
Unfortunately, Steele’s season took a dire turn when he was placed on the 15-day injured list with left elbow tendinitis. Further evaluations revealed a far graver issue: damage to his flexor tendon and ulnar collateral ligament, necessitating surgery. According to manager Craig Counsell, Steele will undergo a procedure to repair the damage, potentially including Tommy John surgery, which typically requires 12 to 18 months of recovery. Losing Steele deprives the Cubs of not just a talented pitcher but also a vital spark in their clubhouse.
Sandy Alcántara: The Marlins’ Shining Star
To address Steele’s absence, the Cubs have set their sights on Sandy Alcántara, the 29-year-old ace of the Miami Marlins. Alcántara is no stranger to baseball fans, having claimed the 2022 National League Cy Young Award with a stellar 2.28 ERA over 228.2 innings. After missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, Alcántara has returned with promise in the 2025 spring training and early season, showcasing his trademark velocity and command.
Alcántara is currently under a five-year, $56 million contract, earning $17.3 million annually for 2025 and 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027. With the Marlins in a rebuilding phase and boasting one of the lowest payrolls in MLB (projected at around $60 million for 2025), trading Alcántara for prospects aligns with their long-term strategy, making him an attainable target for a contending team like the Cubs.
Why Alcántara Is the Perfect Fit
- Proven Excellence and Durability
Alcántara is not just a talented pitcher—he’s a workhorse. When healthy, he routinely logs over 200 innings per season, a rarity in today’s game. His arsenal, featuring a fastball that touches 99 mph, a devastating slider, and a pinpoint changeup, makes him a nightmare for opposing hitters. For the Cubs, Alcántara could seamlessly step into the ace role alongside Shota Imanaga, forming a formidable one-two punch at the top of the rotation. - Cost-Effective Contract
Compared to other elite pitchers on the market, Alcántara’s contract is a bargain. At $56 million over three years (including the 2027 option), the Cubs can secure a proven star without breaking the bank, unlike free agents commanding $30 million-plus annually. - Bolstering the NL Central Race
As of mid-April 2025, the Cubs lead the NL Central with a 10-7 record. However, to compete with juggernauts like the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, or San Diego Padres, they need a deeper rotation. Alcántara doesn’t just replace Steele—he elevates the entire pitching staff, giving the Cubs a legitimate shot at a deep postseason run.
The Trade: What Will It Cost?
Acquiring Alcántara won’t come cheap, especially as the Marlins aim to bolster their farm system with young talent. The Cubs, fortunately, boast one of MLB’s stronger prospect pipelines, featuring names like Cade Horton (a pitcher ranked No. 2 in their system), Moises Ballesteros (a catcher, No. 3), Owen Caissie (an outfielder, No. 4), and Kevin Alcántara (an outfielder, No. 6).
Analysts speculate that a trade package could center around Horton, who has dazzled with a 1.23 ERA in Triple-A this season, paired with one or two other prospects like Ballesteros or Caissie. While parting with such high-upside players is painful, the Cubs are in a “win-now” mode, especially after acquiring Kyle Tucker from the Houston Astros. Adding Alcántara would signal their all-in commitment to a World Series title.
Alcántara’s Impact on the Cubs
Should the trade materialize, Alcántara would transform the Cubs in several ways:
- Strengthening the Rotation: Beyond Imanaga, the Cubs rely on pitchers like Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Ben Brown. While solid, none match Alcántara’s consistency or ceiling. His presence would provide stability and star power.
- Boosting Team Morale: A pitcher of Alcántara’s caliber inspires confidence. He could mentor younger arms like Brown or Horton (if retained), sharing insights from his Cy Young campaign.
- Postseason Dominance: In the playoffs, where every pitch counts, Alcántara’s experience and ability to handle pressure would be invaluable. His 2022 postseason performance, though limited, showed his knack for big moments.
Challenges and Risks
The trade isn’t without hurdles. Alcántara’s early 2025 numbers (4.70 ERA over 15.1 innings) suggest he’s still shaking off rust post-surgery, raising questions about his immediate impact. Additionally, trading away top prospects could haunt the Cubs if Alcántara underperforms or suffers further injuries. The Marlins might also delay a deal until the July 2025 trade deadline to maximize their return, forcing the Cubs to fend off rival suitors like the Dodgers or Yankees.
Moreover, integrating Alcántara into a new team mid-season carries risks. The Cubs’ pitching coach, Tommy Hottovy, would need to ensure Alcántara adapts quickly to their system, especially given the high expectations at Wrigley Field.
Conclusion
Losing Justin Steele is a gut punch for the Chicago Cubs, but targeting Sandy Alcántara offers a chance to turn adversity into opportunity. With his proven track record, affordable contract, and postseason pedigree, Alcántara is the perfect candidate to anchor the Cubs’ rotation and propel them toward a World Series. While the cost in prospects will sting, the Cubs’ window for contention is wide open, and a move for Alcántara would underscore their championship ambitions. Fans at Wrigley Field are surely buzzing with anticipation for a potential blockbuster that could bring the Marlins’ ace to the Windy City.
