Few narratives in baseball resonate as powerfully as a comeback story, and none is more compelling than that of right-hander Sandy Alcantara. After a season marked by setbacks and rehabilitation, the former Cy Young winner is poised to make his long-awaited return to the mound, potentially redefining his legacy and reinvigorating the Miami Marlins’ starting rotation.
Peter Bendix, Marlins president of baseball operations, shared, “Sandy looks strong and healthy—and he feels great!”
Returning from Tommy John surgery is never easy, but a fully healthy Alcantara is set to continue climbing the Marlins’ franchise leaderboards. He already ranks among the club’s all-time greats in multiple categories and is primed to surpass some big names this season.
Sandy Alcantara’s Comeback Year
Alcantara won the 2022 National League Cy Young Award and also finished 10th in MVP voting. He posted a 2.28 ERA and 207 strikeouts across 228 2/3 innings, along with a league-leading 8.0 bWAR. However, Alcantara wasn’t as effective the following year, going 7-12 with a 4.14 ERA before missing all of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery. But now, fully recovered, Alcantara is back on the mound, throwing 99 mph with elite control—a promising sign for his 2025 season. Known for his ability to generate swings and misses with a deceiving changeup and nasty slider, Alcantara also boasts a high groundball rate with his sinker. Even the best hitters struggle against his four-seamer when it’s on the edge of the strike zone.
Sandy Alcantara made another Spring start, and the stuff continues to be brilliant..
That changeup is ridiculous!
— Thomas Nestico (@tjstats.nesti.co) February 28, 2025 at 3:41 PM
To put his velocity into perspective, Alcantara reached at least 100.4 mph only three times during the 2023 season prior to his surgery that October. Yet, in his latest spring tune-up on February 28 against the Atlanta Braves, he hit the triple digits twice.
“I know when I’ve got to throw hard,” Alcantara told MLB.com’s Christina De Nicola. “I’ve got to make my body work a little bit more. But today, everything feels good with my arm. It was good out there. I just want to show people that I’m healthy and I can throw hard.”
Alcantara’s Road to Redemption
During the offseason, Alcantara dedicated himself to a rigorous rehab regimen, fine-tuning his mechanics and rebuilding his confidence. Reports from insiders have consistently highlighted his determination, with each workout and spring training appearance reflecting a pitcher intent on silencing the doubters. Notably, The Athletic’s Jim Bowden ranked Alcantara among the top candidates for NL Comeback Player of the Year, underscoring the belief in his potential to reclaim his elite status. Bowden’s endorsement adds another layer of anticipation for Alcantara’s return.
As Opening Day approaches, all eyes will be on Alcantara—not only to see if he can recapture his former brilliance, but to witness a pitcher who has turned adversity into a springboard for renewed excellence. With Bowden’s support and a Marlins team hungry to make their mark, the “always-hurt” guy may finally reclaim his place among baseball’s elite.
Main Photo: © Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
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