Red Sox Face Struggling Cy Young Award Winner After Trade Deadline Link

The Boston Red Sox will square off against a pitcher weeks after trade rumors went nowhere.

Boston was frequently linked to Sandy Alcántara before the trade deadline. After the Miami Marlins starter stayed put, MLB insider Jon Heyman said the Red Sox made a concerted push to acquire the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner.

Alcántara will pitch in Fenway Park, but not for the home team. The 29-year-old draws Friday’s start to begin a three-game set between the Marlins and Red Sox.

He’ll oppose Boston’s Lucas Giolito, who’s seeking redemption after relinquishing six walks and four runs in Saturday’s 5-4 loss to the San Diego Padres.

Based on his recent returns, Red Sox fans probably aren’t too heartbroken about not attaining Alcántara. He’s continued a brutal season back from Tommy John surgery by allowing 16 hits, five walks and 11 runs in two starts since the July 31 trade deadline.

Alcántara now has a ghastly 6.55 ERA — the highest of any qualified pitcher by a full run — in 121 innings this season. He’s already surrendered a career-high 88 earned runs and has just five quality starts in 23 turns.

Given his past success and a contract that runs through 2026 with a 2027 club option, Alcántara still commanded considerable trade interest from contenders hoping to unlock the former ace. The Marlins instead held him and Edward Cabrera through the deadline.

The Red Sox won’t see Cabrera, who had allowed one earned run in four straight starts before permitting five in Thursday’s 9-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians. Cal Quantrill and Janson Junk are scheduled to pitch the weekend matchups against Brayan Bello and Garrett Crochet, giving Boston a golden opportunity to rebound from series losses to the San Diego Padres and Houston Astros.

Friday’s game begins at 7:10 p.m. ET.