Marlins Expected to Add Players at Deadline While Retaining Sandy Alcantara

Miami is expected to be active at the August 3 trade deadline, targeting additions at third base, in the rotation and the bullpen while retaining right-hander Sandy Alcantara, according to a report by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. The club, which has risen from a 31-35 record on June 7 to 52-42 and sits three games behind the National League East leader, now holds a wild-card spot.

Owner Bruce Sherman confirmed Alcantara’s importance to the team, describing him as a “franchise icon” and indicating a desire to keep him for the future. Alcantara, the highest-paid Marlin at $17 million this season, carries a $21 million club option for next year with a $2 million buyout.

General manager Peter Bendix, a former Rays executive, is expected to follow a balanced approach similar to Tampa Bay’s, adding talent while managing payroll. The Marlins have the league’s second-lowest cash payroll at $83 million, and ongoing collective-bargaining negotiations could raise the salary floor, prompting the team to consider extensions rather than trades for high-cost players.

Potential moves include acquiring a back-end starter, a leverage reliever to replace injured bullpen arms, and a third-base option. Rosenthal mentioned catcher/first-baseman Liam Hicks as a trade candidate, noting his pre-arbitration status and four-year control. He also cited possible targets such as back-end starters Eric Lauer, Brady Singer or relievers like Luke Weaver and Kirby Yates.

While the Marlins have not yet committed to large-scale contracts, they may take on modest salary commitments to avoid depleting prospect capital. The team’s farm system remains ranked 20th by Baseball America, suggesting a cautious approach to trading away prospects.

The front office’s strategy will aim to sustain the current momentum without compromising long-term competitiveness.