For months, rumors have swirled about Sandy Alcantara’s future with the Miami Marlins. Would they trade him? Would he be the next ace to leave town amid yet another rebuild? The rumors have been ongoing non-stop. However, even after undergoing Tommy John surgery, Alcantara is highly sought after as a pitcher in baseball, and various teams are closely monitoring to see if Miami will decide to trade him.

Instead of sidestepping the rumors, Alcantara has confronted them directly. His message? He’s here, he’s happy, and he’s not worried about what might happen next. Alcantara who missed the entire 2024 season rehabbing his elbow, is focused on getting back on the mound and proving he’s still among the game’s elite. Trade speculation might dominate the headlines, but Alcantara refuses to let it dictate his mindset or preparation.

“Oh no, that’s not going to affect myself,” Alcantara said bluntly. “I know the way that I perform. I know the way that I compete… I feel happy to be here.” That’s classic Alcantara—direct, determined, and unwilling to let outside noise dictate his mindset. But he’s not naive, though.

The Marlins are in a rebuilding phase, and trading a pitcher of his caliber could fetch a significant return. But if that’s the direction the front office wants to take, Alcantara expects to be in the loop. “It depends on what they want to do with me. I’m fine with it, but before they do it, they need to talk to me first,” he said.

It’s easy to forget how Alcantara stood out as the pitcher just two seasons back. At that time with his impressive performance, during the Cy Young campaign of 2022 where he led in innings pitched and maintained a strong 2;28 ERA. He was the workhorse every team dreams of. Now, locked in on his comeback, he’s determined to prove he’s still that guy. He’s been training hard, sticking to his routine, and preparing to pitch every fifth day like he always has.

Will he finish the season in a Marlins uniform? That remains to be seen.

Recovering like an ace: Inside Marlins Alcantara’s Tommy John rehab

Recovering from Tommy John surgery hasn’t been easy for Sandy Alcantara; it’s been a test of his patience and dedication. The Miami Marlins star pitcher underwent surgery in October 2023, after trying to push through a UCL sprain towards the end of the season. Alcantara is known for his toughness – leading MLB in innings pitched in 2022. He has approached his rehab with the same determination that earned him a Cy Young award. He has been following a regimen that involves focusing on building muscle strength through workouts and flexibility exercises while also closely monitoring his throwing routine to avoid straining his arm muscles during the recovery process.

Still, returning to dominance isn’t just about getting back on the mound—it’s about regaining peak velocity, command, and endurance. Studies show that pitchers often see a dip in performance in their first season post-surgery, but Alcantara’s workhorse mentality gives him a chance to buck that trend. “I just need to be out there every fifth day and compete and give my 100% every time,” he said, reaffirming his commitment to returning as the ace Miami has relied on.

Ultimately, the Marlins are expected to be cautious with his workload, possibly limiting innings early in the season. But if Alcantara proves he’s back to form, he could be one of the rare pitchers who makes a full return to elite status within a year of surgery.