Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Marlins Keep Sandy Alcantara, Eye Wild Card Push

7/11/2026

50 10 Full Breakdown

Summary

Alcantara Retained

The Miami Marlins will retain right-hander Sandy Alcantara through the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Alcantara earns $17.3 million, 25 percent of the club’s $80.7 million payroll, and holds a $21 million player option for 2027.
The Marlins are 52-42, tied with the Phillies for a Wild Card spot and three games behind the Braves.
Sources say the club needs a third baseman, a back-end starter and a high-leverage reliever while positioning itself as a buyer.

Summary

Alcantara Dominates

Sandy Alcantara is 10-4 with a 4.00 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 92 strikeouts in 123 2/3 innings.
He has won seven straight starts, allowing only 16 earned runs in 48 1/3 innings.
In his last seven outings he struck out 20.6% of batters while issuing 33 walks, showing better command.
His Dominican heritage and high-profile success increase his appeal to Latin-American fans and boost Marlins’ marketability.

History

Historical Context

In November 1997 the Red Sox traded for Dominican pitcher Pedro Martínez and, in early 1998, GM Dan Duquette signed him to a six-year, $75 million contract—the largest ever for a pitcher. Martínez posted a 19–7 record, finished second in the AL in ERA, WHIP and strikeouts, and helped Boston win 96 games, its most since 1918, prompting teams to pursue elite Latin-American arms with long-term deals.

1 of 3

Alcantara Retained

The Miami Marlins will retain right-hander Sandy Alcantara through the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
Alcantara earns $17.3 million, 25 percent of the club’s $80.7 million payroll, and holds a $21 million player option for 2027.
The Marlins are 52-42, tied with the Phillies for a Wild Card spot and three games behind the Braves.
Sources say the club needs a third baseman, a back-end starter and a high-leverage reliever while positioning itself as a buyer.

1 / 3