Orioles failure to land Edward Cabrera may still lead to answers with the Marlins

While Baltimore Orioles fans should be nothing but excited about how the offseason has unfolded thus far, president of baseball operations Mike Elias continues to miss out on the big fish. The Orioles were have been linked to Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera throughout the offseason, but it seems as the though they've been scooped once again.

According to multiple reports, the Chicago Cubs are nearing a deal with the Marlins to acquire the 27-year-old hurler. While specifics of the trades are not yet available, Elias and Co. will now have to go back to the drawing board as they search for that frontline starter that's alluded them all offseason.

But perhaps they needn't look very far. While so much focus has centered around Cabrera, there's another Marlins' starter who was mentioned as a potential trade candidate earlier this offseason. While such rumors have cooled in recent weeks, the Orioles should give the Marlins a call and see what it might take to pry Sandy Alcantara away from South Beach.

After losing Edward Cabrera to the Cubs, the Orioles should shift their attention to Marlins starter Sandy Alcantara

The most recent trade chatter surrounding Cabrera suggests that Miami wants to keep him. It's difficult to blame them for that stance, considering that they'd be selling low on the former Cy Young Award-winner after he posted a 5.36 ERA and 1.27 WHIP last season. Alcantara was sidelined for the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October of 2023.

Alcantara is under contract through the 2027 season. He's owed $17 million during the upcoming season and has a team-option attached to his contract for 2027 that's worth $21 million. Both figures are incredibly inexpensive if he lives up to the billing of the ace he was prior to his injury.

It will take quite the haul to lure Alcantara away from Miami, but the Orioles should at least inquire. Though the Marlins made strides last season, they're still rebuilding and would like nothing more than a prospect-laden trade package in exchange for Alcantara— something the O's could undoubtedly provide.

The Orioles could always circle back to the free agent market once again. Framber Valdez and Ranger Suarez are both still available, but with all things being equal, Alcantara is arguably the best of the bunch.