MLB trade chatter in April? Yes, very much so! Just because the deadline is a few months away doesn’t mean the rumor mill will be silent. And right now, there is one name that’s screeching loudly there. Sandy Alcantara. There are rumors surrounding how the Miami Marlins would have to really sweat it out trading him.

Now, Alcantara honestly, isn’t lights out so far this season. He has a 4.70 ERA in the last three starts. But one cannot forget who this guy really is—a Cy Young star! Moreover, one has to cut him a little slack; he is, after all, coming off a Tommy John surgery.

So while his sinker is at 96.8mph and his changeup is also slower, given that he is coming off surgery, it is understandable. It does take time, and while many are calling dips, MLB insider Jim Bowden is not sweating over it.

Bowden was busting statements popular right now in the rumor mill, and on the concern over trade and the slow start of Sandy Alcantara, he called it an “overreaction.” Bowden added, “By June. I think he’ll be pitching like he did when he won the NL Cy Young Award in 2022, and come July, his trade value will make him the most coveted trade target in the sport.” That’s a huge statement, but it does make sense.

Alcantara is signed through 2026 and has a team option for 2027. All this for just $56 million! This, in today’s market, is like a good discount for a potential ace. But of course, not everyone is on the same page as Bowden, like Ken Rosenthal.

Rosenthal pointed out that the other teams would want to see more of Alcantara. Fair enough; it’s one thing to have a solid resume and another to prove he is the same guy after a major surgery. Meanwhile, if Alcantara heats up, teams like the Cubs, Red Sox, Mets, and more could be ready to pounce.

Could Miami Marlins’ ace head to Boston?

Now, there are several teams that, if Sandy Alcantara heats up, would be interested. One of them is the Boston Red Sox. They made a big splash last winter, but they might not be done yet. The crew at MLB Network recently turned up the heat by pitching Alcantara’s name for Boston. “The Boston Red Sox are loaded. They’ve got a logjam of position players, the Marlins want to stack as much talent as possible, and other than Garrett Crochet, Dan, that rotation’s having a hard time.” And it’s hard to argue.

Garrett Crochet has been lights out, posting a 1.38 ERA through his first four starts. But behind him, it’s been rather sad. Tanner Houck was supposed to be neat as the team’s No. 2, but that’s far from it. Moreover, injuries and inconsistency have been the name of the game for this rotation. This has left many reeling for some reinforcements, and Alcantara fits the bill.

MLB’s Dan Plesac, too, agreed, “Alcantara and Crochet—that would make the Red Sox’s stock go way up.”

But in the end, Alcantara is still working his way up now. Plus, his deal is not something that comes around often. But even if the Red Sox want him, the major hiccup could end up being the asking price. The Miami Marlins would want a huge amount for Sandy Alcantara. But Boston wouldn’t want to part with players like Roman Anthony or Kristian Campbell. Boston also needs to consider the fact that the Yankees might also have an eye on the player.

So, if Boston wants to flip the script, NOW could be the chance to do so. Think that’s set to happen?