The Detroit Tigers currently own the best record in the American League and have jumped out to a big lead in the AL Central. They rose from the ashes last season after selling at the trade deadline and surprisingly secured a Wild Card spot.
This year, they'll approach the trade deadline much differently. Instead of selling, they will likely be buyers. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com notes that they will be in the market for relief help.
However, Feinsand also noted that adding a starter isn't out of the realm of possibility.
The longtime MLB writer proposed the idea of Detroit trading for former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara.
"Detroit will also likely look to bolster its bullpen, while president of baseball operations Scott Harris could also try to add a controllable starting pitcher -- Sandy Alcantara, perhaps?" Feinsand wrote.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Alcantara will certainly cost a hefty amount of prospects, even though his season has been below his standards. The former Cy Young and two-time All-Star has two years of club control remaining, plus a 2027 club option.
The Marlins ace is struggling this year, having gone 4-8 in 16 starts with a 6.98 ERA. But he has pitched better lately.
Putting him next to Tarik Skubal in the Tigers rotation could give Detroit a much better chance of winning a World Series title this coming October. Two legitimate aces would make them favorites to win the AL pennant.
Alcantara won his Cy Young award back in 2022, but was injured at the end of the 2023 season, forcing to have Tommy John surgery and miss all of 2024.
But perhaps a change of scenery could benefit him, as the Tigers are a true contender, and the Marlins are well out of the postseason race.
More MLB: Tigers not expected to move top prospect at trade deadline