Marlins Ace Sandy Alcantara Remains Trade Target Amid Endless Rumors

Despite months of speculation, the Marlins have yet to pull the trigger on a deal for their star pitcher.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The Miami Marlins' star pitcher Sandy Alcantara has been the subject of endless trade rumors for months, but the team has yet to actually deal him. While there have been interesting trade proposals involving Alcantara, nothing has gone through yet as the Marlins remain in rebuilding mode and could look to trade the 30-year-old ace at the deadline rather than before the season starts.

Why it matters

Alcantara is one of the best pitchers in baseball, and trading him could help the Marlins accelerate their rebuilding process by acquiring top prospects or young MLB-ready talent. However, the Marlins have been reluctant to part with their ace, likely valuing his presence on the team as they look to return to contention.

The details

Jayson Stark of The Athletic has closely tracked the Alcantara trade rumors, noting that if he "had 10 bucks for every Sandy Alcantara trade rumor" he's heard in the last year, he "could buy [his] own penthouse in South Beach." Stark questioned whether a deal will actually happen in the next six weeks before the start of the MLB season, but acknowledged that the Marlins are always open to trading their top players.

  • Alcantara will pitch for the Marlins in the 2026 season at age 30.
  • Alcantara is signed through the 2026 season, with a $21 million club option for 2027.

The players

Sandy Alcantara

The Miami Marlins' star pitcher who has been the subject of endless trade rumors this offseason.

Jayson Stark

A writer for The Athletic who has closely tracked the Alcantara trade rumors.

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What they’re saying

“If I had 10 bucks for every Sandy Alcantara trade rumor I've heard in the last year, I could buy my own penthouse in South Beach.”

— Jayson Stark, Writer (The Athletic)

What’s next

Stark noted that Alcantara feels more likely to be traded at the MLB trade deadline rather than before the start of the 2026 season, as the Marlins could look to maximize his value and accelerate their rebuilding process.

The takeaway

The Marlins' reluctance to trade their star pitcher Sandy Alcantara despite months of rumors highlights the team's desire to keep their ace as they look to return to contention, even if it means potentially missing out on a valuable trade package that could help speed up their rebuilding efforts.