The Boys in Blue are standing at the top with 43-29. But they had their share of ups and downs, from the injury bug to Shohei Ohtani‘s performance slump. But now that Ohtani’s slump has ended, he is hitting like before. However, a lingering issue remains: the Dodgers’ pitching is still a concern. Yes, their two-way player is back on the mound, but they are looking outside to strengthen the rotation. And an MLB insider knows whom they are keen on targeting.

There’s no denying that the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation feels fresh now that Ohtani is back on the mound. But as he gets closer to returning to pitching, whispers are getting louder in Los Angeles. What if they weren’t simply relying on Ohtani and the combination of veterans and young players they have now? What if another game-changing arm was on the way—someone who could fit directly into October plans, while fixing a big issue on the way?

Sandy Alcantara is the name being whispered.

Bob Nightengale, an MLB insider for USA Today, said that the Dodgers are “lurking” in negotiations for the Marlins’ past Cy Young winner. Alcantara had Tommy John surgery in late 2023, but he’s already showing signs of returning to form. His last two starts have been great, with an ERA of just 1.50. He had a hard time with control in his first eleven starts, when his ERA was 8.47.

His fastball is back up to about 97–98 mph, which is why he is called “The Sandman.” This speed and control come at a time when pitching has been the Dodgers’ most significant problem. As Ohtani prepares to reinforce the rotation, LA’s management might see Alcantara as the missing piece to not only make the playoffs but also make a deep run in October.

Ohtani’s return to the mound is making headlines, but he’ll pitch about once every five days. They still need more starting pitchers. Can you imagine a rotation that includes Yamamoto, Glasnow, Snell, Kershaw, Ohtani, and maybe Alcantara? That would be a rotation that’s hard to beat. But are the Miami Marlins ready to make the trade?

The Marlins are at a critical point, especially since Alcantara is showing signs of greatness again. Miami may keep him through the offseason in hopes of a bigger return. However, with a rebuilding strategy underway, finding a team-friendly deal for a top pitcher is challenging. If there’s one way Miami might be willing to trade him, is if LA’s offer is good enough and, of course, the timing is perfect. The Dodgers need to act quickly on this because they aren’t the only ones interested in Alcantara.

Multiple clubs eyeing Sandy Alcantara, besides Dodgers

With the trade deadline on July 31 approaching, the Chicago Cubs have emerged as key players in talks about Alcantara, as President Jed Hoyer prioritizes pitching depth. The Cubs’ interest in Alcantara shows that the front office is focused on strengthening the rotation. Even though Alcantara’s ERA is over 7.00 right now, his last two games—12 innings, two earned runs, and 10 strikeouts—have reminded scouts of how good he can be.

But the Cubs aren’t the only ones in the ring. The Detroit Tigers, who have a great record right now, are also thinking about adding some players to their rotation. The team is dealing with injuries and depth issues, as young pitcher Jackson Jobe is set for Tommy John surgery. The Tigers are seeking a proven veteran to join reigning AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal for a long postseason run, with Alcantara emerging as a top target.

Miami’s front office is still being careful, even though there is a lot of talk. Insiders like Jim Bowden say that the Marlins might not trade Alcantara in the middle of the season when his value is low. Instead, they might wait until he is back to his old self and try to make a big deal in the offseason. They are currently in a strong position as they are rebuilding, and pitchers like Alcantara are among the most intriguing trade assets.

As the deadline looms, who will it be: the Dodgers, the Cubs, or the Tigers?