The Chicago Cubs have made a monumental move by acquiring Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner, from the Miami Marlins in a blockbuster trade. This trade, which brings the 29-year-old All-Star pitcher to the Windy City, is being hailed as one of the most significant moves of the off-season. At a price tag of $56 million, Alcantara’s arrival to Chicago instantly boosts their pitching rotation and adds a proven ace to a team that has been on the rise in recent years.
Alcantara, who has become one of the best pitchers in Major League Baseball, had a standout 2022 season that saw him post a remarkable 2.28 ERA over 228 2/3 innings. His 228.2 innings led all pitchers in the MLB that year, showcasing his durability and workhorse mentality. The Dominican Republic native has earned a reputation for his stamina, often going deep into games while maintaining a high level of effectiveness. In 2022, Alcantara had 6 complete games, a rare feat in today’s game, demonstrating his ability to handle heavy workloads while staying dominant.
The Cubs’ decision to trade for Alcantara is a reflection of their commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The Cubs, who have shown signs of improvement in recent seasons, are looking to take the next step and return to the postseason after a few years of rebuilding. Alcantara’s presence at the top of their rotation gives the Cubs a legitimate ace, something they have lacked in recent years. He will join a pitching staff that already includes promising young arms and veterans, forming a formidable rotation that could be among the best in the National League.
What makes Alcantara even more valuable to the Cubs is his ability to pitch deep into games, eating innings and allowing the bullpen to rest. In an era where pitchers are often limited to 5 or 6 innings per start due to modern usage patterns, Alcantara’s ability to throw 7 or more innings regularly makes him a rare commodity. His fastball, which regularly touches the upper 90s, paired with a devastating sinker and sharp slider, gives him a wide array of weapons to keep opposing batters off balance.
Beyond his raw stuff, Alcantara is known for his mental toughness and ability to perform in big moments. In a division like the National League Central, which is often competitive but not overwhelming, the Cubs will rely on Alcantara to take the ball every fifth day and give them a chance to win consistently. His leadership and experience, particularly as a Cy Young winner, will be invaluable in the Cubs’ clubhouse, where younger pitchers can learn from his work ethic and approach.
In return, the Marlins receive a solid package of prospects, continuing their strategy of rebuilding around young talent. The Marlins have often been a team that builds through player development and trading away major league assets for prospects, and this trade is no different. However, it leaves a gap in their rotation that will need to be filled.
For Cubs fans, this trade represents a bold move toward contention, one that signals the team’s ambition to win now. If Alcantara can maintain the level of performance he showed in 2022, the Cubs will have one of the top rotations in the league, giving them a legitimate shot at making a deep playoff run and perhaps returning to the World Series, a place the franchise hasn’t reached since their dramatic 2016 victory. The pressure is on the Cubs now to capitalize on this addition and make the most of Alcantara’s prime years.