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Marlins Christmas 2019: Three presents under Miami’s tree

By David Levin

MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 17: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Marlins Park on May 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 17: Jorge Alfaro #38 of the Miami Marlins celebrates after hitting a two-run home run against the New York Mets in the fifth inning at Marlins Park on May 17, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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WEST PALM BEACH, FL – FEBRUARY 28: Sandy Alcantara #22 of the Miami Marlins pitches in the second inning against the Houston Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches on February 28, 2019 in West Palm Beach, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Sandy Alcantara Becomes a Cy Young Candidate

Sandy Alcantara took a major step forward last season, especially the second half of 2019 after he was named to the All-Star team. The Marlins want to see more of the post-All-Star Alcantara, not the one who struggled with consistency and did not challenge hitters as Mattingly asserted many times last year.

Even with a 6-14 record, the Marlins ace showed he could handle the National League’s best hitters and do it impressively, throwing two complete games last season that was some of the best innings the Marlins have had since Jose Fernandez was on the mound.

Alcantara should be the No. 1 starter this year and take another step forward in becoming a top-tier pitcher. He could have electric stuff with a fastball that reaches the high-90s. I think he has the ability to become the Marlins version on Pedro Martinez.

The one thing Alcantara lacked last season was run support. Should the Marlins find a way to give him runs to back up his performances, 2020 could be a year to remember for the youngster and this pitching staff.

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