Historical Oversights
The Cardinals organization has seen its share of promising pitchers depart before reaching their full potential. Several players who once began their careers in St. Louis went on to establish themselves as top starters elsewhere. Past moves, including a notable deal that traded a young ace before his explosive growth, have since been viewed as missed opportunities.
Alcantara’s Rising Profile
Now, Sandy Alcantara has emerged as one of baseball’s most coveted pitchers. His impressive development since his early days in St. Louis has put him at the center of trade discussions. Once a key asset in the Cardinals’ farm system, Alcantara quickly demonstrated his talent on the mound, hinting at what could have been an even greater legacy if he had remained.
Recovery and Performance
Having undergone Tommy John surgery in October 2023, Alcantara has made a marked recovery. In recent spring-training outings, he has showcased his ability to return to top form. Over the course of 12 1/3 innings in Grapefruit League play, he allowed no earned runs, recorded 10 strikeouts, and issued only three walks—all while touching 100 mph on his fastball. This level of performance underscores his readiness to contribute at an elite level.
Summer Trade Prospects
Alcantara’s current form and his sterling recovery have elevated him to the status of a potential blockbuster trade candidate. With strong pitching metrics and a promising trajectory, he is drawing significant attention as teams look to bolster their rotations for the latter part of the season. The impending deadline is expected to see him transition to a new team, providing a fresh dynamics and star power on the mound.
