The Atlanta Braves had a rough start to the season but rebounded in early May and are once again in the playoff hunt. As of Friday, their starting rotation ranked 22nd in ERA, highlighting a need for reinforcements.
Nick Halden of FanSided proposed a trade that could address that need by acquiring ace Sandy Alcántara from division rival Miami Marlins. Not only would this move strengthen Atlanta’s pitching, but it would also take a star arm away from a competitor. Although Alcántara has struggled early this season—posting an 8.42 ERA in seven starts with 23 strikeouts over 31 innings—he’s coming off Tommy John surgery in 2023, which sidelined him for the entire year.
This is a stark contrast from his 2022 Cy Young-winning performance, where he recorded a 2.28 ERA and 207 strikeouts over 228 2/3 innings. Despite his current struggles, he remains Miami’s ace and could benefit from pitching for a playoff-contending team like Atlanta. After losing Max Fried in free agency and dealing with injuries to Spencer Strider, the Braves are in need of a frontline starter.
Halden’s proposed deal would send two top prospects—right-hander Owen Murphy (a former first-round pick and current No. 6 prospect) and infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. (No. 4 prospect)—along with outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who has struggled lately, to the Marlins.
This package could help offset Miami’s concerns about trading within the division. The deal would be mutually beneficial: the Braves gain a top-tier pitcher, while the Marlins secure valuable young talent for their rebuild
