Last Wednesday, Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report published an article that grabbed my attention. Titled “Wild MLB Trade Ideas We’d Love to See Come True in 2024-25 Offseason,” it proposed a trade that could be an excellent fit for the Washington Nationals. Unlike some past trade ideas, this one feels more realistic. Let’s dive into the details.
The proposed trade partner is none other than the Nationals’ NL East rival, the Miami Marlins, a team that’s had its share of struggles in recent seasons. However, one standout for them has been right-handed starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara. If you’re wondering why his name hasn’t been in the headlines, it’s because he hasn’t pitched since his last start on September 28, 2023—ironically, against the Nationals in a 6-4 Marlins victory.
Alcantara has been sidelined after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October 2023. Following his stellar 2022 season, where he won the NL Cy Young with a 14-9 record, 2.28 ERA, and 0.980 WHIP, he saw a significant decline in 2023 before his injury. Predicting his future performance is challenging; will we see the dominant 2022 Alcantara, or the 2023 version who struggled as a back-end starter?
In the proposed trade, Miller suggests that the Nationals send two prospects, outfielder Robert Hassell III and right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana (a Top 100 prospect), to the Marlins in exchange for Alcantara. This trade would be intriguing, though it’s uncertain if the Marlins would bite. Hassell, who joined the Nationals in the 2022 Juan Soto trade, has recently shown promise in AAA and the Arizona Fall League. Susana made significant strides this season with High-A Wilmington and has gone from an unproven player in the Soto trade to a top prospect in the sport.
While prospects are always a risk, Alcantara’s ability to regain his elite form is also uncertain, especially with a potential change of scenery. Trading both Susana and Hassell would be a hit to the Nationals’ farm system, but with their deep outfield prospects, they might consider it worthwhile. Although Susana is a rising talent, he’s likely a few years away from the majors, which might make the trade appealing for the Nationals if it means securing a veteran ace.
Financially, this trade could be advantageous. Alcantara signed a team-friendly pre-arbitration extension with the Marlins before his breakout 2022 season. According to Spotrac, the Nationals would only owe $34.6 million for the 2025 and 2026 seasons, with a club option in 2027 for $21 million. This is significantly cheaper than top free agents like Corbin Burnes or Jack Flaherty, and Alcantara’s trade value might be at its lowest right now.
In the end, this deal could work for both teams. The Nationals would gain a potential ace, and the Marlins would acquire valuable young players for their rebuild. If Alcantara returns to form, Miami could ask for a larger package, but if they doubt his bounce-back potential, trading him now makes sense.
