With the July 31 MLB trade deadline just around the corner, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to be active in their search for roster upgrades.
Starting pitching could once again be an area of focus as the team has dealt with a plethora of injuries through the first three months of the regular season.
While the group has gotten healthier in recent weeks, the Dodgers could look to add another arm with upside for the stretch run.
According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Dodgers have Miami Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara at the top of their wishlist:
They want another starter, and yes, Alcantara is the man they want.
Alcantara is one of the biggest names expected to be available at the deadline this year, with the Marlins establishing themselves as clear-cut sellers.
Alcantara has an impressive track record that includes two All-Star Game appearances and 2022 National League Cy Young honors. However, he is in the midst of a disastrous first season removed from Tommy John surgery.
The 29-year-old has statistically been one of the worst pitchers in baseball this year, going 4-8 with a 6.98 ERA, 4.69 FIP and 1.48 WHIP through 80 innings (16 starts). Alcantara did start to show signs of improvement in June, as he pitched to a 2.74 ERA and 3.22 FIP in four starts.
However, the right-hander had a blow-up outing that saw him allow eight runs to the Arizona Diamondbacks over the weekend.
It wasn’t that long ago in which Alcantara could be considered one of the more dominant starters, and the Dodgers have had plenty of success with helping once-accomplished pitchers return to form.
Sandy Alcantara’s contract
Alcantara is in the penultimate season of a five-year, $56 million contract extension that he signed after the 2021 campaign. The right-hander’s deal also contains a $21 million team option and $2 million buyout for 2027.
Given his struggles and limited team control, it shouldn’t take a haul for the Marlins to part with Alcantara. Though, a likely seller’s market could work in their favor as there aren’t many game-changing starting pitchers expected to be on the move this year.
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