Dodgers Eye Alcantara: Potential Trade with Marlins Looms

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — The Los Angeles Dodgers may soon add another ace to their already formidable pitching rotation. Recent reports indicate that the defending World Series champions have a significant chance to acquire right-handed pitcher Sandy Alcantara from the Miami Marlins this season.

According to analyst Moody, the Dodgers are positioned as the most attractive destination for Alcantara, who is considered a top-tier starter. “No team can make a better case than the reigning World Series champion Dodgers as both a landing spot for Alcantara individually and to the Marlins when it comes to the return,” Moody stated.

The Dodgers boast one of the strongest rosters in baseball, supported by a robust farm system that features multiple top prospects, including Zyhir Hope (No. 8) and Dalton Rushing (No. 10). Overall, seven of the top 100 prospects are housed within the Dodgers’ system.

While there was speculation that Rushing might make his Major League debut last season, he has yet to step onto the field for the Dodgers. With Will Smith firmly established as the starting catcher, Rushing’s path to a permanent position appears challenging. Additionally, he has attempted to transition to outfield, but finds himself in a competitive environment with numerous outfielders vying for notable roles.

On the other hand, the Marlins are currently undergoing a rebuilding phase, making it sensible for them to trade their ace in exchange for future talent. Moody suggests that if the Dodgers base a deal around one of their top prospects and include others like Josue De Paula, Alex Freeland, or Jackson Ferris, they could present the best offer to Miami.

“If the Dodgers were to form a deal around one of those names and then dip into the remaining four Top 100 guys, they could easily make the best offer that the Marlins will see,” Moody added.

Moreover, the addition of Alcantara could relieve some pressure on him as he returns from Tommy John surgery. The Dodgers’ lineup is known for its ability to support pitchers, easing their transition back to the mound.

In other Dodgers news, the team recently suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the Philadelphia Phillies, 3-2, on Friday night. They played without All-Star first baseman Freddie Freeman, who has been placed on the injured list due to a right ankle sprain.

To fill Freeman’s void, the Dodgers recalled catcher Hunter Feduccia, a left-handed hitter who has experience playing first base. Feduccia, 27, showcased promising performance during Cactus League play, including a .292 batting average.

Freeman discussed his injury, revealing it occurred during a freak accident in his bathtub, which has sidelined him for five games this season. “It’s a great mental picture, if you guys want to think about it, big guy falling all over the place,” Freeman joked. “But when you’re healthy, you just catch yourself. And when you’re not, when you’ve got a little surgically repaired ankle… it just flares everything back up.”

As the Dodgers navigate through injuries and potential trades, fans remain eagerly attentive to the ongoing developments in the organization.