With trade deadline behind him, Marlins' Alcantara wants ‘to stay here'
That ended Thursday with Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix's decision not to deal the team's ace and 2022 National League Cy Young award winner.
Before that, the rumors were admittedly a challenge for Alcantara in an uneven season returning from Tommy John surgery — he's 6-9 with a 6.36 ERA through 21 starts.
'It was a little hard, you know, because everywhere you go, every time you grab your phone, you see your name on the media,' said Alcantara, who will start the series opener against the Astros.
'But you don't have to think too much about it. Just stay focused on everything you can do. You know, I just came here, and if something happened it just happened. I just keep fighting every day.'
Alcantara described Thursday as 'the hardest day I had ever.' He said he spent it at home with family watching MLB Network and 'grabbing my phone every two seconds' to see if he had been traded, which he added he fully expected would happen. He was happily surprised it didn't.
'This is the team that gave me an opportunity in 2018 when I was just a little kid,' he said. 'So now growing here in Miami, playing here in Miami, it's like an hour and 40 minutes from my hometown [Azua, Dominican Republica], so it feels good to be here.'
Added Alcantara, 'I thought I was leaving, but I'm happy to be back in Miami. This is my home. I want to stay here. I was just a little nervous [Thursday], but after 6 o'clock, everything just went away.'
How close did Bendix come to actually dealing the 29-year-old Alcantara, who is making $17.3 million this season and next season, with a $21 million team option for 2027?
'I'm not going to comment on any of the specific conversations or negotiations,' Bendix said. 'I just felt really comfortable with that decision.'
The Marlins retained a re-energized right-hander who hasn't allowed a run in his past 12 innings through two starts. He has more strikeouts (eight) than hits allowed (seven) during that span and feels he has finally turned the corner.
'Everything feels way different than the first half [of the season],' Alcantara said. 'I think I start getting the right way. So, I just need to keep doing what I'm doing.'
'We're thrilled to have Sandy here. We know Sandy's thrilled to still be a Miami Marlin,' Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said. 'I think that Sandy is continuing the trend, and we're going to be the beneficiaries of having Sandy for the rest of the season, continuing to get back to the pitcher that we all know that Sandy is.
'For us to have Sandy in our rotation now going forward for the next couple of months is very exciting for us,' McCullough continued. 'Not only what he does on the mound, but certainly the impact he has in that clubhouse and his community, and for our fan base.'
However this season ends, Alcantara will finish it not worrying about his future.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
24 minutes ago
- Newsweek
DraftKings Promo Code: Upgraded $200 Bonus For MLB, NFL Preseason Continues
The DraftKings promo code for new users now scores a $200 bonus for NFL preseason action, MLB games and more this weekend. The DraftKings promo code for new users now scores a $200 bonus for NFL preseason action, MLB games and more this weekend. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The latest DraftKings promo code offer is perfect for football fans, as it provides new users with $200 in bonus bets for Saturday's preseason games along with over $200 off of NFL Sunday Ticket. Just bet $5 on one of Saturday's preseason games or any other market to activate this offer after clicking here. Get started with the registration process now and claim these offers throughout the first full weekend of NFL preseason games. Preseason games were played on Thursday and Friday this week, but the bulk of the preseason Week 1 games will happen on Saturday. New users will have eight games to choose from. We likely will not see many of the league's established vets, but rookies like Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart and Abdul Carter will all take the field for the first time as professionals. A $5 bet on any of these games will activate your bonus bets and Sunday Ticket discount with this offer from DraftKings Sportsbook. You can also take advantage of the MLB games being played on Saturday. Important series like Astros-Yankees, Red Sox-Padres and Blue Jays-Dodgers continue. The WNBA also provides two games to bet on: Sky-Fever and Sparks-Valkyries. Just bet $5 on any of these markets to instantly unlock this offer from DraftKings Sportsbook. DraftKings Promo Code Gears Up for NFL Return DraftKings Promo Code Sign Up Using Links Above – No Code Needed New User Offer Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly + Over $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket In-App Promos MLB Parlay Profit Boost, NFL Futures Boost, PGA Top Finish Boost, PGA Mystery Boost, Early Exit, etc. Terms and Conditions New Customers – 21+ in Eligible States Bonus Last Verified On Aug. 9, 2025 Information Confirmed By Newsweek All it takes to activate this offer is a $5 wager on any market. You do not have to worry about winning this initial bet, and you will receive your reward before that wager even settles. Any market will work to activate this offer from DraftKings Sportsbook. Just make sure that your initial bet is at least $5 to unlock your rewards. As an example, maybe you want to bet on the Dallas Cowboys to beat the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday night. Once you place that bet, you will instantly get your bonus bets and NFL Sunday Ticket discount. The same goes for a bet on any of the MLB or WNBA games. You will be able to redeem your NFL Sunday Ticket discount right away. Your will receive eight (8) $25 bonus bets to use for any market available on DraftKings Sportsbook. Sign Up With DraftKings Promo Code Offer All you have to do to claim this offer from DraftKings Sportsbook is click here or on any of our other links on this page and create an account. You will be asked to provide basic personal information, like your name, date of birth, mailing address, etc. to set up your account. From there, make an initial deposit to cover your $5 bet. This can be done with a credit card, debit card or several other secure payment methods. Once you receive your bonus bets, you will have seven days to use them before they expire. Saturday NFL Preseason Schedule Now is a good time to get set up with this offer from DraftKings Sportsbook, as there will be eight games to choose from to activate your welcome promo. The matchups and start times are listed below: Giants vs. Bills, 1 p.m. EDT Texans vs. Vikings, 4 p.m. EDT Cowboys vs. Rams, 7 p.m. EDT Steelers vs. Jaguars, 7 p.m. EDT Titans vs. Buccaneers, 7:30 p.m. EDT Chiefs vs. Cardinals, 8 p.m. EDT Jets vs. Packers, 8 p.m. EDT Broncos vs. 49ers, 8:30 p.m. EDT Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Mariano Rivera plans on talking to Yankees' Devin Williams as struggles hit crisis point
Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free Old-Timers' Day is mostly for the fans, who enjoy seeing the stars of yesterday play once more. The stars of yesterday also make the most of being able to don the pinstripes once more. Advertisement And there could be benefits for the current Yankees, too — like a struggling, once-dominant closer hearing a bit of advice from the greatest closer of all time. Mariano Rivera was planning on talking with Devin Williams on Saturday, Rivera said before taking part in the alumni game in The Bronx. Yankee Old Timers Mariano Rivera (42) when the New York Yankees played the Houston Astros Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Yankee Stadium. Robert Sabo for NY Post He did not want to reveal his precise message, but he was intent on delivering one. Advertisement Rivera — the first and only unanimously voted Hall of Famer and unquestionably the best reliever ever — did not have a ton of struggles through 19 seasons, but he still learned how to handle the adversity that comes with the game and comes with the closer role. 'Forget about it,' Rivera said about overcoming struggles such as a blown save. 'You can't do nothing about it. What's done is done. Move on and be confident. You have to be confident in yourself. If you're not confident in yourself, why are you playing the sport?' A night earlier, Williams acknowledged his confidence is not 'as high as it's ever been,' after essentially costing his team a third game in as many appearances. Advertisement Devin Williams has hit another Yankees rough patch. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post Williams, a two-time All-Star with the Brewers who has been among the best arms in the game in his career, owns a 5.73 ERA and has allowed at least a run in his past five games. He yielded three runs (two earned) in the 10th inning of the 5-3 loss to the Astros on Friday. 'Any time Mo's around, I know guys — not just guys in the pen, but everyone — appreciate the wisdom he provides,' manager Aaron Boone said before hosting the Astros. 'What Mariano was so good at was just that he wasn't affected by yesterday's performance.' Advertisement Boone has said he wants to find less-stressful situations for Williams to help reclaim his confidence. '[Williams] needs to be a little more positive,' said Old-Timer Jorge Posada, who knew how to guide pitchers through rough times. 'You got to get him through … these key situations. Hopefully he gets his mind right.'
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Mets vs. Brewers on Saturday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The Mets continue their three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night. While the Amazins have trended in the wrong direction over the last few months, the Brewers have surged and now find themselves with a chance to grab the No. 1 seed in the National League. Looking to bet Mets vs. Brewers? The folks at bet365 have a bonus code where you can get $150 in bonus bets, whether you win or lose. Bet365 bonus code NYPBET: Bet on Mets vs. Brewers Use the bet365 promo code NYPBET to snag a bonus for Mets vs. Brewers. If you're looking for a more robust boost, you can also consider a first bet reset, which gives your first bet a chance at redemption if it loses. If you bet on Mets vs. Brewers, up to $1,000, you will get your bet amount back in bonus bets if you don't win. How to sign up for bet365 Sportsbook What our Post expert thinks about Mets vs. Brewers All of a sudden, the Mets have work to do to get some breathing room in the wild-card race. The Mets' summer swoon has put them perilously close to the Cincinnati Reds in the playoff chase, and a poor showing in Wisconsin could further jeopardize a once-promising season in Flushing. New players only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call or Text 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, NC, NJ, OH, TN, VA only. Place a qualifying bet of up to $1000 to be eligible for a matched refund in Bonus Bets if your qualifying bet loses. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Registration required. New customers only, 21+ (18+ in KY). Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Available in AZ, CO, NJ, IA, IL, KS, KY, IN, LA, NC, VA, PA, TN, OH only. Bet $5 and Get $150 in Bonus Bets at bet365. Registration required. A deposit (minimum $10) is required to participate in this offer. You must claim the offer via the bet365 app, within 30 days of registering your account. Once released, your Bonus Bets will be held in your account balance and are non-withdrawable.T&Cs, time limits and exclusions apply. Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
