“Fans not here, but we still love them,” Alcantara told Stephen Strom of the Marlins Radio Network, acknowledging the visibly empty ballpark. Attendance was just 6,605, and the numbers remained similarly low throughout the series.

With the Marlins now sitting at 5-1, outperforming teams like the Boston Red Sox who struggled early, there’s an expectation that fan turnout could improve. Still, it remains uncertain whether attendance will rise during the next home stretch, especially with college baseball also drawing attention at the same time.

When will the Marlins return home?

The Marlins will be back at home on April 6 against the Cincinnati Reds for a four-game series. That stretch could serve as a key indicator of whether attendance rebounds after historically low turnout against the Rockies and White Sox.

Dan Clark shared more context on X: “Just 19,687 fans combined attended the three games between the Marlins and the White Sox. Game 1: 6,515, Game 2: 6,667, Game 3: 6,505. It marks an historic new low in Miami Marlins history.”

When will Alcantara pitch again at home?

Alcantara is expected to take the mound during the Reds series, likely on April 7 in Game 2 based on the current rotation. He would then be in line to pitch again at home during the next series against the Milwaukee Brewers, which begins April 18.

One name consistently floated in rumors was Sandy Alcantara, the Miami Marlins ace viewed by some league insiders as a possible solution should Miami commit to a deeper rebuild. With the Yankees exploring multiple avenues to reinforce their rotation, Alcantara appeared to be a logical fit given his pedigree and contract structure.

However, a new report suggests that scenario is becoming increasingly unlikely. According to multiple insiders, Miami is no longer actively entertaining trade discussions involving its $56 million right-hander, significantly narrowing New York’s options.

Trade target now off the table

Reporter Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald indicated that the Marlins have effectively removed Alcantara from the trade market, noting that it would now take an extraordinary offer for the club to reconsider. That stance was echoed by Mike Axisa of CBS Sports, who reported that Miami feels no urgency to move the veteran pitcher this offseason.

“Alcantara, 30, had a rough 2025 overall, his first year back from Tommy John surgery,” Axisa wrote. “He pitched much better late in the season, however, and the interest at the deadline shows teams still believe in his upside. Alcantara is owed $17 million in 2026 with a $21 million club option for 2027, so there’s no urgency to trade him.”

Other rotation options remain

Despite the setback, the Yankees are not without alternatives. Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter suggested the club could pivot to another Miami starter, proposing a deal centered around Edward Cabrera in exchange for outfielder Jasson Domínguez.

For now, though, the latest report underscores a reality New York must confront: one of the most talked-about trade solutions for its rotation is no longer realistic, forcing the front office to reassess its next move.

Sandy Alcantara didn’t just grow into Miami’s ace—he redefined what the Marlins could expect from their rotation. A workhorse with electric stuff, his presence alone changes the way this team is built.

His contract, signed before his Cy Young season, reflects a rare mix of foresight and trust. It’s the kind of deal that speaks as much to the front office’s vision as it does to his rising stock.

But this agreement isn’t just about stability. With years still on the table and decisions ahead, the numbers carry a bigger question: how will Miami shape its future around its most valuable arm?

Sandy Alcantara’s salary: How much does he earn with the Miami Marlins?

In 2025, Sandy Alcantara stands as the highest-paid player on the Miami Marlins roster, earning a base salary of $17 million, with a total salary of $17.3 million, including a signing bonus, according to Spotrac.

This substantial salary reflects the franchise’s commitment to their ace, who was signed to a five-year extension in 2021, making him the highest-paid pitcher in franchise history at that time.

Sandy Alcantara’s contract: How long does the deal last?

In November 2021, the Miami Marlins made a bold move to secure their ace pitcher Sandy Alcantara with a five-year, $56 million contract extension, a deal that runs through the 2026 MLB season. The agreement also includes a club option for 2027, potentially extending his stay to six years.

This contract marked a historic moment for the franchise. Not only was it the largest deal ever given to a pitcher in his first year of arbitration eligibility, but it also became the longest and most lucrative contract handed out by the Marlins’ current ownership group, led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter.

The Dominican right-hander, who won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022, has become the cornerstone of the rotation. His durability and dominance, highlighted by multiple complete games and a league-leading innings count, make this deal a strategic investment in both performance and leadership.

According to Craig Mish, the Marlins chose not to trade Alcantara because the organization sees him as part of its long-term vision. The plan is for Alcantara to continue developing on the mound as the team builds toward future success.

“The Miami Marlins will not be trading Sandy Alcantara today. He’ll once again be the ace down the stretch as the Marlins keep pushing this season and developing for the future,” Mish reported. Alcantara currently has a 6.36 ERA.

Marlins Show Faith in Their Current Roster

In his report, Mish added that the Marlins intend to make a serious push with the players they have, hoping to stay in the postseason race. Though still chasing a Wild Card spot, they believe there’s still time to make a run, with teams like the Padres also in the mix for that third and final slot.

“Marlins are holding everyone else. They are the hottest team in baseball and 7 games back of the Wild Card. They have decided to give it a go & see if they can stay in the race. Yankees in town this weekend and expectation is all 3 games will be close to, or sold out,” Mish added.

When Was the Last Time the Marlins Made the Postseason?

The Marlins last appeared in the MLB postseason in 2023, when they were swept 2-0 by the Phillies in the NL Wild Card round. Their most recent deep run came in 2020, when they reached the NLDS before being swept 3-0 by the Braves.

The Mets have been hit hard by injuries, and the front office is exploring options to replace players expected to miss weeks, or even months, of action. Head coach Carlos Mendoza will surely welcome additional pitching options as the team faces upcoming challenges.

Before the season began, the Yankees were reportedly interested in Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. Following Tuesday’s game, several Mets players, including Soto, spoke about the possibility of acquiring Alcantara, urging the front office to pursue the trade while praising the Marlins star.

“It would be one of the best trades we could make. I know we have great pitching here, but adding a Cy Young winner like that would be huge. It’s going to take a lot to get him,” Soto said to the New York Post after the loss to Miami.

Soto’s teammates share their thoughts on Alcantara

Despite Marlins president of baseball operations Caroline O’Connor confirming that Sandy Alcantara is happy in Miami, the Yankees were reportedly eyeing the possibility of bringing the ace to the Big Apple. Although, several of Soto’s teammates weighed in on the potential move to the Mets.

“It would almost be like adding Soto. You add Soto, it’s going to help the team. You add Alcantara, and it’s going to help the team,“ Francisco Lindor told the New York Post regarding the prospect of Alcantara joining the Yankees.

“He has the stuff and the mental makeup to be able to play in New York. He’s got the mental strength and physical gifts to succeed here, and I think we’ve shown we help pitchers even more,“ said Starling Marte about the Marlins star.

Yankees’ reported interest in Alcantara

While the Mets are struggling, the Yankees have had a strong start to the regular season. However, they share a similar need on their roster, and reportedly, the Yankees have shown interest in Alcantara. According to SNY’s John Harper, New York was eyeing Alcantara even before the season began.

“With Cole out for the rest of the year and Luis Gil sidelined for several months, the only realistic way to rebuild that winning formula would be to acquire Alcantara this summer,“ Harper wrote in his report.

After missing the 2024 MLB season due to injury, Alcantara is back in action. Marlins President of Baseball Operations, Caroline O’Conner, spoke about the star pitcher on the A Day in Miami podcast, making it clear that the team has no plans to part with him.

“Sandy is coming back. You’ve seen him in spring training; last year he was recovering, but now he’s back and ready to go. He’s a fierce competitor and is happy to be back with the Marlins,” O’Conner said, addressing the Yankees’ reported interest in Alcantara.

Her comments reinforced the Marlins’ stance: they have no intention of trading Alcantara, especially with him coming off injury. As one of their most important players, the Marlins are committed to keeping him in their rotation. For the Yankees, this could signal the need to explore other options to strengthen their roster, which has been impacted by multiple injuries.

Yankees reportedly eye Alcantara to fill Cole’s void

As the Yankees look to fill the void left by Gerrit Cole’s season-ending injury during spring training, reports suggest that Sandy Alcantara is a legitimate target. According Harper, Alcantara stands out as the only viable option to help the Yankees compete this MLB season.

“With Cole out for the rest of the year and Luis Gil sidelined for several months, the only realistic way to rebuild that winning formula would be to acquire Alcantara this summer,” Harper wrote in his report. However, a statement from the Miami Marlins has raised doubts, making it harder to believe that they’ll part with one of their few remaining assets capable of delivering solid performances this year.

Other hurdles for the Yankees in pursuit of Alcantara

In addition to the Marlins’ resistance, other reports highlight the challenges the Yankees face in making a move for Alcantara. While some reports recommend the Marlins are asking for $58 million, there are other factors that complicate the deal.

“Various reports indicate that acquiring Alcántara won’t be an easy task. The price tag could include two of the Yankees’ top prospects, such as outfielders Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones, or promising infielder George Lombard Jr.,” Harper reported on SNY.

A lot of that success has to be credited to their starting rotations. Names like Max Scherzer, Julio Urias, Jacob deGrom, and Clayton Kershaw stand out from the rest of the pack. But some guys have been even better than them.

That’s why today, we’ll give them propsby letting you know everything there is about the top three candidates to take home the Cy Young award in the National League. Who’ll take the trophy home?Let’s break it down.

MLB News: 3 Leading Candidates For National League Cy Young

3. Max Freid

Max Fried got off to another slow start to the season, but he was quick to put it in the rearview mirror. He’s been one of the most dominant hurlers since the All-Star break and is keeping the World Series champions Atlanta Bravesin contention for their division.

Throughout the season, Fried has logged a 12-5 record with a 2.56 ERA, 1.042 WHIP, and 143 strikeouts to just 27 walks over 25 starts and 158.1 IP. He’s proven that he can stay healthy and be a workhorse for Brian Snitker’s team.

2. Tony Gonsolin

One would expect Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, or even Julio Urias to be the Los Angeles Dodgers’ top Cy Young candidate this season, but it’s not. Tony Gonsolin has been so goodthat most people have forgotten about Buehler and Dustin May.

Gonsolin continues to put the leading World Series candidate on his shoulders, logging a 16-1 record with a 2.10 ERA, 0.865 WHIP, 116 strikeouts, and 35 free passes on 23 starts and 128.1 innings of work.

1. Sandy Alcantara

Standing out on a bad team with a good rotation is no easy task for any pitcher, but Sandy Alcantara isn’t like every pitcher. He’s been a stud for the ever-struggling Miami Marlinsand is the only untouchable player in the organization right now.

Alcantara has lacked the run support other players on this list have on a nightly basis. Still, he currently boasts a 12-6 record with a 2.13 ERA, 0.980 WHIP, 167 strikeouts, and 185.2 innings, including four complete games and one shutout.