Chicago Cubs’ top trade target has come off the board

The Chicago Cubs seem to have righted the ship, as they have now won 14 of their last 18 games after an absolutely miserable stretch. Still, it’s blatantly obvious that the Cubs have plenty of work to do if they want to snag a playoff spot.

Chicago has needs all over its roster, but its primary area of concern is its starting rotation.

The Cubs’ pitching staff has been absolutely ravaged by injuries this season, and the arms who have been healthy have not exactly pitched up to par.

On the bright side, Chicago still has plenty of time to make a move. The MLB trade deadline is on Aug. 3, and there should be some viable hurlers available. Heck, the Cubs already picked one up by acquiring David Peterson from the New York Mets.

However, one name that has regularly been linked to Chicago since last summer probably won’t be on the block at this point: Miami Marlins right-hander Sandy Alcantara.

Chicago Cubs probably won’t be landing Sandy Alcantara

Craig Counsell, Chicago Cubs — Jun 28, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell (11) looks on from the dugout prior to during the game against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

In case you missed it, the Marlins are really good. Miami went 20-6 in the month of June, good for the best mark in baseball. What’s more, Alcantara went 6-0 with a 3.35 ERA during that span, managing a 1.190 WHIP.

The Marlins have been known to trade some of their top names by the deadline, but they probably won’t be doing so this time around considering they are firmly in playoff contention.

Alcantara was certainly someone on the Cubs’ radar, and that has been the case since last year. Remember: Chicago talked to Miami about both Alcantara and Edward Cabrera at the 2025 deadline, but didn’t acquire either of them at the time. The Cubs did, however, swing a trade for Cabrera during the offseason.

Since the early stages of 2026, Alcantara has continued being linked to Chicago, especially with all of the injuries that have befallen the Cubs’ rotation. Alcantara is making $17.3 million this season and carries a $21 million club option for 2027, so he has always been a very enticing target.

But while a whole lot can happen over the next four weeks, it doesn’t appear that the Marlins will be all that eager to trade the former Cy Young award winner.

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