As the MLB season heats up, front offices across the league are beginning to assess what pieces might be missing for a deep playoff run — and for the Houston Astros, the answer may lie on the mound.
Despite the team’s strong reputation, Houston’s starting rotation has shown signs of vulnerability. So far, their starters have combined for a 3.78 ERA, placing them 14th in the league — respectable, but not quite up to the championship standard Astros fans are used to. With expectations always sky-high in Houston, it’s no surprise that trade chatter is starting to pick up early.
Enter Sandy Alcantara.
According to Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller, the Miami Marlins’ right-handed ace could be a name to watch in trade talks — and the Astros are one of the potential suitors. Alcantara is currently working his way back from Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for the entirety of the 2024 season. However, in the small sample size of his return, he’s already showing flashes of his former dominance.
Through two starts this season, Alcantara has posted a solid 3.72 ERA over 9 2/3 innings. While it’s unlikely he’ll return to the full form of his 2022 Cy Young season — where he logged 228 2/3 innings, six complete games, and 207 strikeouts — the version of Alcantara we’re seeing now could still be a game-changer for a team like Houston.
The fit makes sense. The Astros are eyeing another deep postseason run, and adding a reliable arm like Alcantara to pair with Framber Valdez at the top of the rotation could make Houston’s pitching staff one of the most formidable in the league. With the first round of the playoffs now being a best-of-three series, having a dominant 1-2 punch is more important than ever — and Alcantara could be the missing piece.
Of course, any potential trade would hinge on Miami’s willingness to move their ace and what Houston is willing to part with in return. But if the Marlins struggle in the standings and the Astros continue to search for rotation reinforcements, don’t be surprised if Alcantara-to-Houston rumors start to gain steam.
One thing is certain: the Astros are never shy about going all-in when it counts — and Alcantara could be their next big swing.