The New York Yankees, reeling from the loss of ace pitcher Gerrit Cole to season-ending Tommy John surgery in March, are poised to make a blockbuster move to bolster their rotation before the MLB trade deadline. Despite leading the AL East and remaining World Series contenders, the Yankees are actively seeking pitching reinforcements, with Miami Marlins’ star Sandy Alcantara emerging as a prime target.
Alcantara: The Answer to the Yankees’ Pitching Woes?
Fox Sports writer Deesha Thosar pegged Alcantara as a potential replacement for Cole even before the 2025 season began, predicting the Marlins’ continued struggles would make the right-hander available. “Deep in a rebuild that has fans irritated and impatient, they’re poised for another fruitless season in 2025. Alcantara, one of the only recognizable names left on the Marlins roster, is expected to be out of Miami by the time the NFL preseason starts,” Thosar wrote.
Alcantara, who signed a $56 million contract extension in 2021, is owed $17.3 million annually in 2025 and 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027. Despite a rocky return from his own Tommy John surgery in 2023, posting a 7.89 ERA, Alcantara remains a top trade target. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller ranked him No. 1 among available pitchers, noting his health and durability. “He has gone at least 100 pitches on four occasions, and the velocity on his four-seamer and sinker is right on par with his pre-surgery norms,” Miller wrote, emphasizing that Alcantara is at least back to throwing like his old self.
Alternative Options for the Yankees
If Alcantara’s price tag proves too steep, the Yankees have other options to fortify their rotation. Thosar suggested a reunion with Michael King, a familiar face in the Bronx who could be a cost-effective addition. “Since [Yankees GM Brian] Cashman has floated concerns about the Yankees exceeding the luxury tax, King is an ideal trade candidate because he would add just $4 million to their $300 million-plus payroll,” Thosar noted, citing King’s $1 million base salary and $3 million signing bonus for 2025.
Another potential target is Seattle Mariners’ pitcher Luis Castillo, who could provide a long-term solution for the Yankees’ rotation, especially as Cole’s recovery remains uncertain. “He’s owed roughly $70 million through 2027, so this would be a long-term deal and added financial risk for the Yankees, but they need security in the rotation next year, too, as Cole continues rehabbing from elbow surgery,” Thosar explained.
A Pivotal Move for the Yankees
With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees’ pursuit of a pitcher like Alcantara, King, or Castillo could reshape the AL East race and send shockwaves through MLB. As the team looks to maintain their World Series aspirations, securing a top-tier arm to fill the void left by Cole could be the key to their postseason success.