Braves Trade Rumors: Sandy Alcantara a Perfect Fit, But There’s a Major Hurdle
With a roster as strong as the Atlanta Braves’, finding legitimate upgrades can be a challenge. While fans are eager for moves, the reality is that the team is already deep and well-constructed. The Braves have shown a willingness to pursue the right players—having been finalists for Garrett Crochet and exploring other starting pitching options like Nathan Eovaldi—but the pool of pitchers who would truly improve their rotation is limited.
One name that stands out as an ideal trade target is Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara. If Miami decides to make him available during the 2025 season, he would be a perfect fit for Atlanta’s rotation. However, acquiring him comes with one significant obstacle.
The “In-Division Tax” Makes a Deal Unlikely
On paper, Alcantara seems like an excellent trade candidate for the Braves. The Marlins are in a rebuilding phase and have shown a willingness to trade key players, including Alcantara. His contract—$17.3 million per season through 2026, with a 2027 team option—makes him a valuable but potentially attainable asset, especially considering he’s coming off a serious injury.
However, the biggest roadblock is the fact that Miami plays in the same division as Atlanta. Historically, the Marlins have demanded a premium when dealing with the Braves, as seen during Atlanta’s pursuit of Christian Yelich in 2018, when Miami insisted on Ronald Acuña Jr. as part of the trade package. That asking price was far higher than what the Brewers ultimately paid for Yelich, indicating a clear “Braves tax” in play.
Although Miami has undergone front-office changes since then, the reluctance to trade within the NL East likely remains. Teams rarely send elite talent to division rivals without requiring a massive overpay. Given Alcantara’s track record as a Cy Young-caliber pitcher and his favorable contract terms, the Marlins would almost certainly demand an exorbitant return—one that could make any potential deal with Atlanta highly unlikely.
