There’s something special about the crack of a bat — but when MLB trade rumors start flying? That’s a different kind of thrill. And nothing fuels the buzz more than a big name hitting the rumor mill. Speculations skyrocketed when the name was Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner. Why? Because he was rumoured to be traded to the Yankees. But is it happening? Here comes the latest update: an AL league team is reportedly behind Alcantara!

For the Yankees, landing a durable arm like Alcantara would be a huge win, especially with pitching being their Achilles’ heel this season. Gerrit Cole isn’t getting any younger, and injuries have made the rotation unstable. A reliable ace could change their outlook entirely. But here’s the kicker — according to Bleacher Report, it’s not just the Yankees in play. The Orioles have quietly entered the race for Alcantara, and they might be even more desperate.

With pitchers like Zach Eflin, Tomoyuki Sugano, and Charlie Morton all set to hit free agency this offseason, the market is primed for a shake-up. For the Orioles — who are already limping through rotation issues — this could be the perfect chance to make a long-term investment. But it’s not just about who’s available — it’s about what the O’s currently have… and what they’re missing.

The Orioles are bitten by the injury bug as well, and with Charlie Morton struggling significantly, it’s no surprise that the Orioles are in desperate need of pitching reinforcements. Injuries to key pitchers like Grayson Rodriguez, John Means, and Kyle Gibson have left the Orioles scrambling for reliable arms. So, when you’re missing key starters, it’s not just about one bad game—it’s about the cumulative effect on the bullpen and the overall team performance.

Alcantara’s 2022 performance of 14–9 with a 2.28 ERA was just marred by his injuries in the next two years. However, everyone knows his capability. So, even if the Orioles are staying with Eflin and Sugano, it still offers a place for Sandy Alcantara to fit in! However, it all depends on whether the Marlins are willing to trade him away.

The Marlins are no new to trading their biggest names to stack up their farm system. For starters, the Marlins traded Giancarlo Stanton, the reigning NL MVP and a record-breaking power hitter, to the Yankees in a deal that included Starlin Castro and multiple prospects. So, a deal with the Orioles will be a win-win situation for all involved.

Alcantara’s deal could bring profits for the Marlins

This season is going terribly for Alcantara with a 7.37 ERA till now. So, the Marlins are not in a place to trade him early. Moreover, it would be a risky affair for any suitors to invest big in a pitcher coming from a TJ surgery. That makes teams hesitant to take a big swing early. The Marlins know this, which is why they’ll likely wait until closer to the deadline to deal him — giving him time to rebuild value. Even now, when healthy, he’s one of the best arms in the game. So the strategy? Wait, watch, and cash in big.

So, why would the Marlins try to trade Alcantara away?

Well, the club would likely look to acquire high-ceiling prospects, particularly in the pitching and position player categories. The Marlins may target teams with deep farm systems to stockpile talent for the future. Moreover, depending on how the season unfolds, the Marlins might also look for MLB-ready talent that can help them stay competitive while they rebuild around their younger core. Seeking younger pitching options by trading the established pitchers! That’s Marlins!

Now it’s game on — can the Orioles outmaneuver the Yankees and pull off a blockbuster? If they do, Alcantara could find himself back in the playoff hunt with a legit contender. With the trade deadline drama heating up, this is one race fans won’t want to miss. What’s your bet?