Context:

The Miami Marlins are considering trading former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, as they did with batting champion Luis Arraez the previous year. Alcantara has been a prominent figure in trade rumors, with executives believing he is likely to be traded before the July deadline. Despite his early season struggles, including an 8.42 ERA and 18 walks over 31 innings, his potential to aid a contending team makes him a valuable asset. The Marlins, not in contention for a division title, may benefit from trading him early to maximize return. The decision to trade Alcantara seems inevitable, with the main question being the timing of the transaction.

Dive Deeper:

• Sandy Alcantara, a former Cy Young winner, is at the center of trade rumors as the Miami Marlins consider moving him to a contending team, similar to their previous trade of Luis Arraez to the Padres.

• Executives were polled by MLB.com and voted Alcantara as the most likely player to be traded, highlighting his prominence in the trade market despite the trade deadline being months away.

• Alcantara's performance this season has been subpar, with an ERA of 8.42 and 18 walks in 31 innings, possibly due to him regaining his form after missing the previous season because of Tommy John surgery.

• The Marlins are not contenders in their division, prompting consideration of trading Alcantara to potentially capitalize on his value and assist a playoff-bound team.

• There is a sense of urgency in the trade market, as acquiring teams might want to secure Alcantara's services early to gain an advantage over competitors, despite the risks associated with his recent form.

• One executive noted the necessity for the Marlins to 'cash him in,' suggesting that trading Alcantara is not just likely, but a strategic move for the team's future.

• The decision to trade Alcantara appears to be a matter of 'when' rather than 'if,' as the Marlins weigh their options in a season where they are not competing for top honors.

• The Miami Marlins have been in this spot before.

• A year ago, they traded batting champion Luis Arraez well before the trade deadline. Now, they could do the same with former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.

• Alcantara has been one of the most popular names in trade rumors all season already. The Marlins aren't competing for a division title, and Alcantara can help a contending team get to the promised land.

• MLB.com recently polled executives, who voted Alcantara most likely to be traded.

• The article went on to point out that last year, the Marlins "jumped the trade market" and sent Arraez to the Padres on May 4.

• The deadline isn't until the end of July, but an acquiring team could get out ahead of everyone else by trying to get a deal done for Alcantara early.

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• The one risk is that Alcantara has struggled in the early going. He's got an 8.42 ERA through his first seven starts, with 18 walks in 31 innnings.

• Alcantara is classically a bulldog who works deep into games, but he could be still getting his groove back after missing last season with Tommy John surgery.

• One executive told MLB.com that the Marlins "need to cash him in." Another asked, "Do the Marlins have any other logical choice?"

• Sounds like whether or not Alcantara will be traded is already decided. Now it's just a matter of how soon the deal comes.

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