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Drew VonScio is a Newsweek contributor based in Pittsburgh, PA. His focus is on MLB content. Drew has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and also works full-time at WTOV, a TV station in Steubenville, Ohio. He is a 2023 graduate of Bethany College (WV) and a 2024 graduate of the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. You can get in touch with Drew by emailing [email protected].

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The Toronto Blue Jays have quickly surpassed the New York Yankees in the American League East. Now, they're clear buyers ahead of the trade deadline in the midst of a 10-game win streak.

Tim Britton, Aaron Gleeman and Chad Jennings from The Athletic list Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara as a fit for the Blue Jays.

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JULY 4: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches during the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at loanDepot park on July 4, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Leonardo Fernandez/Getty Images

"Which version of Alcantara is actually on the market? The 2022 Cy Young winner excelled then by keeping the ball in the park and on the ground," they wrote. "But he took a step back in 2023, went under the knife for Tommy John surgery and has returned this year without the command that makes his mix work. He ditched his slider earlier this year and started to look like the Sandy of old – right up until he allowed 12 runs in 12 innings the last two times out."

Alcantara has been far from his best this year with the Marlins. While some of that is due to Miami not being good, Alcantara himself hasn't been good either. However, teams are likely to gamble and hope he can improve in a new environment based on what he's done in the past.

"Since June 1, the walk rate is one-third of what it was before then, and so there's reason to believe Alcantara's worst is behind him," they wrote. "He isn't a pitcher who strikes out the lineup, but he is a potential playoff starter, and the supply of those is very limited this deadline."

Alcantara to the Blue Jays would be one of the biggest shocks of the trade deadline, but it would allow Toronto to compete with the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros and the Yankees.

More MLB: MLB Insiders Advocate Cubs Pursue Royals' $38 Million Pitcher at Trade Deadline