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The Chicago Cubs’ rotation suffered a big blow when Justin Steele had to undergo surgery. However, the Cubs are 19-13 to start the year and could be losing Kyle Tucker after this season.
Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly predicted the Cubs would go all-in on their chance to win with Tucker and trade for Sandy Alcántara of the Miami Marlins.
“While the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and New York Mets are among the other contenders who could stand to add a front-line pitcher, the Cubs are the most motivated to be aggressive,” wrote Kelly. “They’ve lost Justin Steele for the year to elbow surgery. And as much as they surely hope to retain Kyle Tucker beyond 2025, they’re only guaranteed one season with the star outfielder because he’ll have plenty of suitors in free agency in the offseason. President of baseball operations Jed Hoyer will have to give up more than he’s comfortable with to obtain Alcántara, but he would be getting a workhorse for up to three postseason runs.”
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Alcántara signed a five-year, $56 million deal in 2021. He ended up winning the National League Cy Young Award in 2022, when he led baseball in innings pitched and complete games. However, he struggled in 2023 and missed all of last season.
“Chicago entered this season with seven prospects in MLB Pipeline’s Top 100. Third baseman Matt Shaw probably isn’t going anywhere, but any of right-handed pitcher Cade Horton, outfielder Owen Caissie and catcher Moisés Ballesteros could make sense as part of a trade return for Miami.”
So far this season, Alcántara has an 8.31 ERA through six starts. Needless to say, he does not look like the ace every fan is used to seeing. However, he did undergo Tommy John surgery recently, and once he hits his stride, there’s no denying what he can do. Even with his struggles, the Cubs may have to outbid other contenders to land him.