Key Highlights
- This rotation is one of the best in all of Major League Baseball. But what if it got even better?
- Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report predicted that the Tigers would trade for another Cy Young starter in Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara to make the Tigers' rotation far and away the best in baseball. Tigers predicted to trade for Sandy AlcantaraMiller predicted that Sandy Alcantara: "Ends Season With: Detroit Tigers." He's been floating in trade rumors for over a year now, "And, man, wouldn't it be fun if Detroit got him?" Miller writes. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementA rotation of Skubal, Alcantara, Verlander, Valdez, Flaherty, and Mize would be a stunning group to have for the postseason. Skubal, Valdez, and Verlander are already a fantastic top-three, but add Alcantara to the mix, and there wouldn't be a better rotation in baseball. Alcantara is 30 years old and missed the 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery.
- He began the 2025 season on a poor note, posting a rough 7.22 ERA through 18 games before the All-Star break. But, in his final 13 games of the year, he turned back the clock and posted a very solid 3.33 ERA with 71 strikeouts.
- Alcantara might not have had the full-season production of his prime, but he showed he still has it within him. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMore: German Marquez takes shot at Rockies after signing with team that 'wants to win'The 2022 Cy Young, who posted 8.0 bWAR with a 2.28 ERA, six complete games, and 207 strikeouts across 228.2 innings pitched, has been a hot topic in trade rumors over the last year. But, he wasn't dealt at the trade deadline, and didn't move this offseason either.
- But, with the Marlins still looking to shed payroll and rebuild, trading Alcantara for a strong return is likely still on the table. The Tigers, if they're ready to go all-in for the 2026 season, could land Alcantara to form the best rotation in baseball and give them a massive advantage come the postseason. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Dodgers won the World Series in 2025 thanks to their abundance of starters making up for a shaky bullpen.
