Dodgers Eye Sandy Alcantara to Bolster Rotation for 2026 Title Defense

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter the 2026 offseason with a championship roster largely intact, but pitching depth remains a top priority. After back-to-back World Series titles, the defending champions are looking to reinforce their rotation with high-impact arms.

Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins’ former NL Cy Young Award winner, presents an intriguing target. Despite a challenging 2025 campaign with a 5.36 ERA over 174.2 innings, his late-season performance and career track record suggest he is poised for a rebound.

Alcantara’s combination of experience, durability, and elite velocity makes him a prime candidate for Los Angeles to pursue aggressively. A trade could provide immediate impact while preserving the Dodgers’ long-term competitive window.

With a strong farm system capable of supporting a competitive offer, the Dodgers are positioned to construct a package that meets both their championship goals and the Marlins’ rebuilding timeline.

1. Alcantara’s Fit and Potential

Alcantara’s comeback story resonates with the Dodgers’ championship-minded approach. After missing the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery, he returned to post a 3.70 ERA in 10 post-deadline starts, demonstrating resilience and adaptability. His 2025 velocity remained strong, averaging 97.5 mph on his four-seam fastball, suggesting that early-season struggles were more mechanical than a durability concern. Los Angeles has experience managing veteran arms, positioning them to maximize Alcantara’s potential. The pitcher’s pedigree as a workhorse with previous Cy Young-level performance aligns with the Dodgers’ objective of maintaining a dominant rotation. Adding Alcantara could reinforce an already formidable pitching staff. Financially, Alcantara’s contract structure is favorable. The Dodgers can absorb $17.3 million annually through 2026 with a $21 million club option for 2027, providing flexibility without compromising payroll planning.

2. Trade Proposal and Farm System Strategy

A potential trade would leverage the Dodgers’ depth in their farm system to meet Miami’s needs. A proposed package could include outfield prospects Zyhir Hope, Eduardo Quintero, Mike Sirota, and infield prospect Alex Freeland. Hope, Quintero, and Sirota offer elite offensive upside, while Freeland adds versatile infield depth. Together, they give the Marlins multiple high-ceiling prospects at various stages of development, aligning with their long-term rebuilding strategy. Importantly, the Dodgers could retain their top prospect, Josue De Paula, ensuring the franchise’s core remains intact. The package balances immediate impact for Los Angeles with meaningful returns for Miami. This approach demonstrates the Dodgers’ ability to use prospects strategically, turning surplus talent into a rotation upgrade without undermining future competitiveness.

3. Strategic Implications for Both Teams

For Miami, the trade provides an influx of young talent capable of shaping their roster for years. The combination of high-upside outfielders and versatile infielders accelerates the rebuilding timeline. For Los Angeles, adding Alcantara strengthens an already dominant rotation, creating a veteran core capable of sustaining a World Series run. His experience, velocity, and Cy Young-caliber potential make him an immediate difference-maker. The proposal respects the timelines and objectives of both organizations. Miami receives a credible return for a pending free agent, while the Dodgers secure championship-level pitching without sacrificing their long-term cornerstones. Ultimately, the trade illustrates a strategic balance: Los Angeles maximizes its current window, and Miami accelerates its path to sustainable success through elite prospects.