Miami Marlins 2022 Season Preview: RHP Sandy Alcantara

When previewing the upcoming 2022 Miami Marlins season, there is arguably no better player to start with than Sandy Alcantara.

Making a total of 33 starts (led MLB) for the Marlins a year ago, Alcantara posted multiple career-high’s during his fourth season in Miami, and would finish the year with a 3.19 ERA and 201 strikeouts, the first time in his career the right-hander eclipsed the 200-strikeout plateau in a single-season.

The ace of Miami’s talented young starting rotation, it’s clear the impact that Alcantara had on the Marlins a year ago. Now entering the 2022 season, will the 26-year-old post similar numbers this year?

Miami Marlins 2022 Season Preview: RHP Sandy Alcantara

When answering that question, you could certainly make an argument that the answer is yes.

The right-hander will enter the 2022 season as the ace of the Marlins starting rotation once again, and barring injury, is likely set to make anywhere from 25-to-30+ starts this season. Based on Alcantara’s MLB career so far as well, we likely have a preview of what that season stat-line might look like if he makes that projected number of starts in 2022.

Aside from last season, Alcantara has only made double-digit starts in one season previously during his five-year MLB career – 2019.

The 26-year-old’s first, and only, All-Star appearance up to this point in his career, Alcantara made a total of 32 starts for the Marlins, pitching a total of 197.1 innings (For reference, Alcantara had 205.2 IP in 2021). Posting a 3.88 ERA that season with an 151:81 K:BB, Alcantara (in a similar sample size) cut down on the total number of walks allowed by nearly-double in 2021, as well as adding 50 more strikeouts.

So, assuming he stays healthy in 2022, Alcantara will make a similar number of starts to 2019 and 2021. Based on the strides he took last season as well, the right-hander could be set for a similar season to a year ago numbers-wise, if not something in between 2019 and 2021.

Sandy Alcantara 2022 season stat-line prediction:

• 31 starts (201 IP): 10-13 record, 3.25 ERA, 1.105 WHIP, 50 BB, 195 K

Assuming Alcantara continues to build off his phenomenal 2021 season as well, is the right-hander a sleeper NL Cy Young candidate? It’s certainly a possibility, along with the right-hander likely making his second career All-Star appearance this season.

Expect yet another phenomenal season for Alcantara in 2022, one where he likely leads all Miami Marlins starters in innings pitched, strikeouts, and more.