MLB Writer Floats Red Sox Trade For Cy Young Award Winner

The next few weeks could determine how the Boston Red Sox approach the July 31 trade deadline. If they’re looking to make more waves, they could roll the dice on a former ace.

Boston’s rotation can use more consistency behind Garrett Crochet. Tanner Houck and Kyle Harrison may soon offer reinforcements, but one writer suggested a high-risk, high-reward acquisition.

Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter floated a hypothetical trade in which the Red Sox receive Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins.

Alcantara wouldn’t represent an upgrade unless he shakes off his 2025 doldrums. The 29-year-old has a ghastly 6.98 ERA in his first year back from Tommy John surgery.

However, Alcantara won the National League Cy Young Award three years ago when authoring a 2.28 ERA in 228 2/3 innings pitched. Reuter also noted the right-handed starter was turning his season around before he surrendered seven runs to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Saturday.

“The 2022 NL Cy Young winner still represents a potential impact addition to a team’s rotation for the playoff push,” Reuter wrote. “His 2.74 ERA in 23 innings over his previous four starts looked like a step toward regaining his frontline form.”

Unless they climb well over .500, the Red Sox may not have much interest in any costly summer rentals. Yet Alcantara wouldn’t just be a 2025 play, as he’s under contract next year with a 2027 team option.

That could make the gamble of Alcantara rebounding more appealing. However, that also means he wouldn’t be cheap.

Alcantara will likely be a popular trade candidate despite his struggles. The Athletic’s Jim Bowden said he heard more trade talk about the Marlins pitcher than any other player “by far.”

While MLB executives think the Marlins will move Alcantara, Bowden said they’ll demand “a significant prospect package.”