As we gear up for the 2025 MLB season, all eyes are on the Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, thanks to an early trade deadline prediction that has stirred the pot. While the Dodgers haven’t been officially linked to Alcantara, the idea isn’t far-fetched, given the team’s penchant for attracting star power, even amidst challenges with injuries. Alcantara, who claimed the 2022 Cy Young Award, epitomizes the kind of talent that could bolster any rotation, especially one as aggressive as the Dodgers’.

The Marlins, struggling at the bottom of the standings, seem like the odd man out when it comes to leveraging a player of Alcantara’s caliber. His value took a hit after an unfortunate turn of events in 2023 when he underwent Tommy John surgery following a grueling couple of seasons filled with nine complete games—a testament to his endurance, but possibly too much for one arm. His recovery kept him off the diamond for the entirety of 2024, but now he’s back, even if things are a bit rocky.

The Dodgers, facing their own hurdles with pitcher Blake Snell sidelined after just two starts this year with no return in sight, seem like a prime candidate to make a move. Snell’s absence, coupled with three young pitchers called up who’ve yet to impress, has challenged the depth the Dodgers thought they had shored up. It’s almost as if fate is nudging them toward Alcantara, despite his current 6.56 ERA over five starts and 23 1/3 innings—a number that doesn’t scream Cy Young but hints at vulnerability that could make him more accessible.

However, acquiring Alcantara won’t be a breeze. The Marlins, even with their current struggles, know the potential value of a former Cy Young winner.

If Alcantara’s performance doesn’t improve significantly, though, the price might be more palatable for the Dodgers, who are no strangers to revitalizing struggling stars. The coaching staff in LA has a reputation for turning things around, making the prospect of Alcantara hopping on board an intriguing possibility.

So, while there are fair concerns about adding another pitcher with a shaky recent injury history to the mix, the Dodgers are known for taking calculated risks. Alcantara’s past glory and raw talent make him a tantalizing bet—one that could pay off big if he regains form under the right guidance. It’s a storyline worth tracking as the season unfolds and the trade deadline approaches, with the Dodgers potentially setting the stage for a pivotal mid-season maneuver.