The New York Mets dedicated much of the offseason to strengthening their starting rotation. While they made several improvements, they were unable to secure a clear-cut ace.
They explored options such as Dylan Cease and Michael King from the Padres, along with other potential upgrades leading up to spring training, but ultimately, no deals came through. Now, with injuries mounting and their depth appearing uncertain, the Mets may need to take a more aggressive approach—possibly setting their sights on Miami’s top star.
Injury Woes and the Need for an Ace
Spring training and the early part of the season have already put the Mets’ pitching depth to the test. With Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and Paul Blackburn all sidelined by injuries, the rotation has some noticeable gaps.
While the Mets still have reliable arms in Kodai Senga, David Peterson, Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and Clay Holmes, they lack a true ace to lead the staff.
That’s where Sandy Alcántara could come into play. The former Cy Young winner is in the process of returning from Tommy John surgery and has shown promise in his early 2025 outings, recording a 3.72 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 9.2 innings. If he regains his dominant form, he’s the type of pitcher who could significantly impact a team’s success.
Juan Soto’s Seal of Approval
If anyone understands the impact Sandy Alcántara could have, it’s Mets superstar Juan Soto. Having frequently faced Alcántara in NL East matchups, Soto didn’t hesitate to share his thoughts on the possibility of the ace joining the Mets.
“It would be one of the best trades we could make,” Soto told Mike Puma of the New York Post. “I know we already have great pitching, but adding a Cy Young winner like him would be huge.”
Of course, acquiring a pitcher of Alcántara’s caliber wouldn’t be easy. Soto acknowledged the challenge of prying him away from Miami. “It’s going to take a lot to get him,” he admitted—and he’s not wrong.
With Alcántara under contract for two more seasons, plus a team option for 2027, any potential deal would require a significant trade package to convince the Marlins to part ways with their star pitcher.
What Alcántara Brings to the Table
When fully healthy, Sandy Alcántara is among the most dominant pitchers in baseball. His fastball can hit triple digits, and his ability to pitch deep into games makes him an invaluable asset. In 2022, he showcased his elite form with a 2.28 ERA over an incredible 228.2 innings, earning the Cy Young Award. Even in 2023, despite not being at his peak, he still managed a solid 4.14 ERA before suffering an injury.
Juan Soto believes that a new environment could help Alcántara reach his full potential. “If he joins a team with a chance to compete at the end, I think you’ll see exactly who he is,” Soto said. “When he’s part of a winning team, you’re going to witness what Sandy Alcántara is truly capable of.”
Would the Mets Make the Move?
When fully healthy, Sandy Alcántara is among the most dominant pitchers in baseball. His fastball can hit triple digits, and his ability to pitch deep into games makes him an invaluable asset. In 2022, he showcased his elite form with a 2.28 ERA over an incredible 228.2 innings, earning the Cy Young Award. Even in 2023, despite not being at his peak, he still managed a solid 4.14 ERA before suffering an injury.
Juan Soto believes that a new environment could help Alcántara reach his full potential. “If he joins a team with a chance to compete at the end, I think you’ll see exactly who he is,” Soto said. “When he’s part of a winning team, you’re going to witness what Sandy Alcántara is truly capable of.”
