MLB trade rumors: Philadelphia Phillies could turn to $56 million Miami Marlins after missing on Bo Bichette for strong starter and improve rotation

The Philadelphia Phillies are reassessing their plans after free-agent shortstop Bo Bichette signed with the New York Mets. Team president Dave Dombrowski called the outcome a “gut punch,” and the front office has since shifted its focus from the infield to the pitching staff.Rather than chase another long-term position-player contract, the Phillies appear to be exploring ways to strengthen the rotation. Sandy Alcantara remains a logical target. The former NL Cy Young winner is still with the Miami Marlins, and his contract structure makes him a realistic option if Miami decides to move him.

Why Sandy Alcantara fits Philadelphia Phillies’ needs

The Philadelphia Phillies project to open 2026 with Cristopher Sánchez, Jesús Luzardo, and Aaron Nola leading the rotation.

Zack Wheeler is working back from injury, Andrew Painter has limited major-league experience, and Taijuan Walker profiles as depth. Beyond that group, the organization does not have many proven starters.Sandy Alcantara is set to earn about $17.3 million in 2026, with a $21 million club option for 2027. He is a two-time All-Star and won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022. Before his injury, he regularly posted ERAs under 2.50 while maintaining strong strikeout-to-walk ratios.

His 2025 season ended with a 5.36 ERA in his first full year after Tommy John surgery, but his velocity and command improved later in the season. That improvement suggests he could stabilize closer to his earlier form.For Philadelphia, he offers top-of-the-rotation potential without the type of long contract the club was prepared to give Bichette.

A realistic trade framework

No deal has been proposed, but a structure based on roster depth and contract value could look like this:

Hypothetical trade package (illustrative)

Philadelphia Phillies receive: • Sandy Alcantara (RHP), controlled through 2026 with a 2027 club option. • Marlins receive: • Andrew Painter (RHP), a top-100 prospect with a mid-90s fastball. • Aidan Miller (SS), a strong defensive prospect viewed as a future everyday infielder. • One MLB-ready arm, such as Brad Keller or Jean Cabrera.The package reflects Miami’s preference for young, controllable talent rather than large financial returns.Impact on both teamsPhilliesPros: Adds a proven starter, provides insurance behind the current top three, balances the rotation, and avoids a decade-long financial commitment.Cons: Painter and Miller represent significant prospect capital, Alcantara still carries injury risk, and his salary could increase the team’s luxury-tax burden.MarlinsPros: Gains two high-upside prospects, improves long-term roster control, and reduces payroll obligations tied to a single pitcher.Cons: Removes the club’s most established starter, creates a gap in the rotation, and may draw a negative reaction from fans.Stat tables: Alcantara vs. Phillies rotation coreSandy Alcantara vs. Phillies starters (career)Pitcher Years IP ERA K/9 BB/9 WAR (career)Sandy Alcantara 2017–25 1,085 3.26 8.7 2.4 19.5Cristopher Sánchez 2020–25 598 3.34 8.5 2.3 11.3Jesús Luzardo 2019–25 458 3.89 9.2 3.2 8.1Aaron Nola 2015–25 1,233 3.41 9.2 2.5 36.8Zack Wheeler 2013–25 1,436 3.43 9.3 2.7 32.6Alcantara’s career production is comparable to Philadelphia’s current starters.

His 2022 season — 14-9 with a 2.28 ERA, 207 strikeouts, and 228.2 innings — shows his ceiling.2025 performance snapshotPitcher IP ERA FIP K/9 BB/9 xERASandy Alcantara 108 5.36 4.63 8.1 2.8 4.50Cristopher Sánchez 212 2.50 3.04 9.2 2.2 3.08Jesús Luzardo 170 3.54 3.79 9.6 3.4 3.91Aaron Nola 173 3.76 3.84 9.3 2.7 3.94Zack Wheeler 112 3.62 3.77 9.5 2.6 3.85Although the ERA is high, his FIP and xERA indicate performance closer to a mid-3.00 pitcher.Contract and market factorsAlcantara turns 31 in September 2026, an age when many starters begin to move out of their peak years. He remains under control through 2026, with the club option for 2027. Several contenders, including the Yankees and Dodgers, have shown interest in recent offseasons.If Alcantara returns to his Cy Young level, a rotation of Sánchez, Luzardo, Alcantara, Nola, and Wheeler or Painter would give Philadelphia one of the stronger staffs in the National League.For Miami, the benefit would come later. Turning a high-salary pitcher into two premium prospects aligns with a roster still focused on long-term growth.Also read: MLB trade rumors: Baltimore Orioles could land $400 million Detroit Tigers Cy Young after blockbuster Pete Alonso deal to satrengthen title runThe result depends on Alcantara’s health. Strong production would favor the Phillies. Continued inconsistency would favor the Marlins. For now, expectations still lean toward him staying in Miami, but Philadelphia’s search for pitching keeps this scenario relevant.