You know it’s trade season in MLB when you see a pop-up on your screen with rumors, and every analyst has their own “inside information.” Well, here’s a new one coming straight from another MLB insider’s office. That has radically altered the discussion around possible pitching purchases. Out of nowhere, the Minnesota Twins ace’s name has come.

Just when everyone thought the Sandy Alcantara trade would be the most prominent one, a name was dropped. It’s the baseball world; what else do you expect? A new day, a new surprise, awaits you. One such right-hander has drawn much attention. His steady play and team-friendly deal make him a desirable choice for teams wanting to strengthen their rotations. Who is he?

The man in question, the one attracting all this enthusiastic interest, is Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez. USA Today’s Bob Nightengale is the insider clarifying this evolving scenario. The Twins acquired Lopez in a trade that sent Luis Arraez to Miami in 2023. He has developed into precisely the sort of frontline starter that teams hoping for the playoffs urgently want.

According to MLB insider Bob Nightengale, “While the Miami Marlins will wait until ace Sandy Alcantara (2-3, 8.31 ERA) starts showing signs of improvement to trade him. Several contenders are keeping a close eye on Minnesota Twins ace Pablo Lopez.” What makes him a potential prospect? Many factors, including his performance, contract, and the dicey situation of the Alcantara trade with the Marlins.

Pablo Lopez has been a paragon of consistency, averaging 32 starts each year over the last three seasons and keeping a good strikeout rate. His 2.25 ERA and 26 strikeouts in 28 innings have drawn attention this year and have further raised his trade value.

Lopez’s contract, which runs until 2027 and pays him $21.75 million per year, is equally fair for a pitcher of his quality. His on-field performance and this financial element combine to make him an interesting target for clubs trying to improve their rotations without signing expensive long-term contracts.

With every clubhouse monitoring the pitching market, the ace players like Pablo Lopez and Sandy Alcantara will give depth to the bullpens. With the Twins star, the contract situation is crystal clear, and with Alcantara? Well, only the Marlins can answer that.

Marlins’ dilemma: To trade or not to trade Alcantara

There’s no denying that clubhouses are running behind him. But the conditions are not going in his favor. Firstly, his comeback from injury and the team management are still holding on to him.

Reflecting the difficulties pitchers usually have coming back from Tommy John surgery, Sandy Alcantara’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster. Over 26 innings, Alcantara has recorded a 2-3 record with an 8.31 ERA and a 1.654 WHIP in his first six starts. With a 40.5% hard-hit rate, his opponents are hitting him harder than ever; his strikeout percentage has dropped to 19.8% from a 23.6% average between 2021 and 2023. These difficulties have lowered expectations and reduced quick trading interest.

He is 29 years old, and his past performance includes a Cy Young Award. Alcantara stays a trade topic despite these early-season obstacles. But before agreeing to a deal, clubs are wary, looking for evidence that he can recover his prior form. Executives want to see improvements in critical areas, as ESPN’s Buster Olney pointed out, including the efficacy of his changeup and general command, before making major offers.

Olney said, “I’ve had this conversation with executives: they want to see something,” “They want to see some sign that he’s capable of being Sandy of the past.” He added that the other clubhouses also watch his performance, and only they will look to invest, which is fair enough!

By contrast, Minnesota Twins pitcher Pablo Lopez draws instant attention because of his excellent early-season performance and team situation. Given his regular performances and the Twins’ openness to considering roster adjustments, teams looking to strengthen their rotations will find Lopez more reachable.

A return to form might rekindle trade talks, as Alcantara’s performance will be constantly watched throughout the season, qualifying him as a prized asset for clubs seeking a postseason drive.

Teams will closely watch Lopez’s availability and Alcantara’s performance as the July 31st trade deadline approaches, influencing the pitching market’s shape in the following months. What do you think?