The New York Yankees are in the market for a few key offseason upgrades in the bullpen, the outfield, and the starting rotation. While the bullpen and outfield needs are clear, the rotation issue is a much muddier one to resolve.
Gerrit Cole is still injured, as is Carlos Rodon. Their statuses to begin the year are unknown, leaving the rotation in need of extra depth at least, and potentially a long-term starter if Cole or Rodon take their time returning from injury.
Ex-MLB general manager Jim Bowden of The Athletic proposed a solution for the Yankees by way of a Spencer Jones trade to the Miami Marlins for one of their available starting pitchers. Specifically, Bowden predicts Cy Young ace Sandy Alcantara to join the Yankees as part of a package including Jones.
Yankees predicted to trade Spencer Jones for Sandy Alcantara
Bowden predicts that “The Marlins trade right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara to the Yankees for outfielder Spencer Jones and shortstop Kaeden Kent.”
There is one major caveat to this proposed deal from Bowden: “The trade comes immediately after the Yankees sign either Kyle Tucker or re-sign Cody Bellinger.”
If the Yankees could add one of Tucker or Bellinger, then Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones wouldn’t be important pieces for the 2026 roster. Trading one or both would make sense, especially if it could lead to a huge return.
In this proposed trade with the Marlins, Jones and shortstop prospect Kaeden Kent could bring in Alcantara. The former Cy Young ace wasn’t at his best in 2025, but he’s shown the ability to be an elite starter, and the Yankees could buy the dip.
During the 2025 season, Alcantara had a 5.36 ERA in 31 starts in a full season back from injury. While it’s a poor number compared to his normal career ERA before this season (3.32), his pitching a full season is very encouraging.
He’s only around for the 2026 season, though his $20 million club option for 2027 would likely be picked up by the Yankees in the event of this trade.
The 2025 season was a tough one for Alcantara, but it was the tale of two halves. Through his first 19 starts, he had a 7.14 ERA across 97 innings pitched. But, in his final 12 games, across 77.2 innings pitched, his ERA dropped to 3.13.
If the Yankees can get Alcantara at his best, then the right-hander would be an incredible addition to the rotation. While Jones might be a highly touted prospect, landing a player like Alcantara would be hard to pass up.
