Yankees Pursue Marlins' Ace Alcántara and Reliever Bender Ahead of Trade Deadline

As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are making a push to bolster their pitching staff with a pair of high-profile acquisitions from the Miami Marlins. According to reports, the Bronx Bombers are targeting former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcántara and dominant relief pitcher Anthony Bender.

Alcántara, a two-time All-Star, has been a standout performer for the Marlins over the past seven seasons. In 2022, he posted a 14-9 record with a 2.28 ERA and 207 strikeouts, earning him the National League Cy Young Award. However, the right-hander missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on his elbow. Alcántara has two years remaining on his current contract, with a club option for the second year.

The Yankees are also pursuing Bender, who has quietly established himself as a reliable bullpen arm in Miami. Over his four-year MLB career, the right-hander has a 2.98 ERA in 178 innings, including a stellar 1.83 ERA in 44.1 innings this season.

The Yankees would likely have to part with a significant package of high-end prospects to acquire this Marlins duo, as both Alcántara and Bender are highly sought-after assets. However, the potential addition of these two pitchers could be a game-changer for the Yankees as they look to make a deep postseason run.