The Detroit Tigers need to consider how they can bolster their starting rotation following starter Jackson Jobe’s absence due to a grade-one flexor injury, even if the MLB trade deadline isn’t for nearly two months. The Tigers must refrain from making a strong move for former Miami Marlins star Sandy Alcantara since there might not be a lot of elite players available at the deadline.
Alcantara has been a shadow of his former self since recovering from Tommy John surgery, delivering 51.0 innings at a pitiful 8.47 ERA. It will be intriguing to watch whether the Marlins decide to move on if Alcantara’s decline continues, but they haven’t made up their minds to consider offers yet.
The Marlins will want Alcantara to be at or close to the peak of his game if they decide to deal him. The Marlins could be happy to wait until the next season to see whether Alcantara can get back on track, as he still has two years of team control remaining. A starter that gives up almost a run per inning is worthless to trade, and Miami will receive very little return on its prospect capital.
Trading for Sandy Alcantara moves the needle in the wrong direction for Tigers
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67695828/1278844278.jpg.0.jpg)
Similarly, bringing Alcantara to Detroit would not only have little effect but also work against a team that is presently atop the American League rankings. If things don’t improve soon, neither team will likely be interested in making a deal with Alcantara, who is at the bottom of the league in all advanced stats among eligible starts.
Tarik Skubal, Casey Mize, Reese Olson, and Jack Flaherty continue to be a great rotation for the Tigers. They can locate a free internal alternative that is probably more effective than what Alcantara offers now.
If Alcantara is still having trouble, Detroit would be foolish to take a chance on him and hope he improves after the trade deadline. Granted, it would rank among the greatest trade victories ever if you hit gold and he miraculously returns to form.
Alcantara isn’t worth a top-100 prospect right now, but even if the Marlins decide to sever connections, if you’re the Tigers, you don’t want him anywhere near your rotation, no matter how cheap he is. In any case, if nothing changes, neither party should be interested in a deal. He is not the solution for Detroit.
