Toronto Blue Jays enter the final month positioned better than expected and are evaluating offseason trade targets to improve roster depth. Sandy Alcantara remains a buy-low starting-pitch candidate despite regressing from his 2022 Cy Young season; his FIP of 3.84 this season and prior durability contrast with a high ERA this year, and his $17.3M salary (with a $21M club option for 2027) could be affordable for an ace-caliber arm. Steven Kwan, a three-time Gold Glove left fielder, drew trade interest at the deadline before Cleveland retained him and remains a potential fit for outfield defense and contact hitting.
Alcantara hasn't been able to duplicate his sublime 2022 season, when he led the National League in innings pitched (228.2), complete games (six), pitcher bWAR (8.0), on his way to winning the Cy Young award. The 6'5" righthander's ERA swelled to 4.14 in 2023 and has ballooned to over six this season. The underlying numbers tell a different story, and he still has a chance to be an incredibly valuable addition at the right price.
Alcantara's salary of $17.3M (with a $21M club option for 2027) next season may not seem like a bargain, but it is for an ace-level pitcher. Now, whether he's still considered ace material could be debatable, but his FIP this season is 3.84, much lower than his 4.55 mark in 2019 when he was named an All-Star for the first time.
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