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Jim Bowden Predicts Midseason Sandy Alcántara Trade to Red Sox

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Jim Bowden recently predicted that Sandy Alcántara will be traded to the Red Sox this season.

According to The Athletic, former GM Jim Bowden predicted that former Cy Young pitcher Sandy Alcántara could most likely be traded by the Miami Marlins. This could be to the Boston Red Sox in a package containing Wilyer Abreu, Franklin Arias, Luis Perales, and Juan Valera. In 2024, the Marlins had undergone their fifth rebuild in their franchise’s history since they originated in 1993. Star players like Gary Sheffield, Miguel Cabrera, Hanley Ramirez, Giancarlo Stanton, Christian Yelich, Marcell Ozuna, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. have all been traded since then. Sandy Alcántara’s contract is up after 2027, so he’s most likely the next to go. But the question is, where would he be heading? A lot of candidates are in the mix. These include the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees, and New York Mets. But take a look at the Red Sox for a second…

Could Sandy Alcántara Be Traded to the Red Sox?

Boston Red Sox

The Sox have suddenly surged to become serious contenders, and not just for the top of the division. They’re at a point where if their newly acquired players do well, they could land another piece at the deadline. Sandy Alcántara could be that piece, and the former Washington Nationals GM believes so, too. As for Sandy himself, he’s coming off Tommy John surgery. He hasn’t played since 2023, but he’s looked great in spring training this year. Whether or not he’ll continue that pace into the regular season is another story. Let’s look into the possible return that Bowden’s assuming.

Wilyer Abreu

Wilyer Abreu is the headliner here. He’s coming off his first full season in 2024, where he won a Gold Glove and showed serious promise with the stick last year. While the Red Sox hinted that Abreu wouldn’t be going anywhere, it’s easy to assume that his stay in Beantown is temporary. This is because of the endless talent of prospects like Roman Anthony, Jhostynxon Garcia, and Miguel Bleis coming up to the majors. But with said fertile farm system, the Red Sox don’t have enough spots on the field for everybody. Trading pieces like Abreu and more for pitching can all but solidify their pitching rotation, rivaling the likes of the Atlanta Braves and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Franklin Arias

As another shortstop in their system, Franklin Arias (MLB.com‘s #4 Red Sox prospect) is mainly known for his defense. But his hitting has massively improved since he was signed. With Xavier Edwards at short for Miami, he would most likely move to second base because of his 5’11 stance. Last year, his prospect status had taken a serious rise, and playing the hot hand in a trade always works. With Marcelo Mayer and Trevor Story, along with Kristian Campbell for the middle infield, Arias would currently be log-jammed in two positions. There’s no reason why he should stay in Boston’s system if he won’t have a place to play. Reading between the lines, he would inevitably be traded, so why not here in this Sandy Alcántara trade?

Luis Perales

Trading away a high-rising pitcher like Perales is a great idea. However, he’s been recovering from Tommy John surgery since mid-2024, and he most likely won’t be playing this year. But the bright side is that he’s only 21 years old (turning 22 on April 17th). He’s one of the questionable pieces in this deal because of his durability, but pitchers going under the knife for Tommy John have become increasingly common over the last five years. Regardless of his injury, if he’s able to pitch like he did in 2023 before his injury, there would be no argument whatsoever on how good he could be.

Juan Valera

Juan Valera is also another high riser in the Red Sox’s farm system. Again, at age 18, he’s their 18th overall prospect. While he’s arguably very raw, he’s shown so much promise with his pitches. Reaching 99 mph with his fastball, posting a 1.99 ERA last year, and reaching Single-A, he’s one of the promising pitchers in their system.

A Sandy Alcántara trade to the Red Sox can be a serious bout. If the Red Sox do this trade, it’s a win-win. Jim Bowden hit this one on the button. Since the Marlins are rebuilding and the Red Sox have more than enough prospects in their system, this trade wouldn’t affect Boston that much. Regardless, with Sandy or not, the Red Sox are now one of the scariest teams in baseball.

 

Photo Credit: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The post Jim Bowden Predicts Midseason Sandy Alcántara Trade to Red Sox appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.