Yankees blockbuster request has Marlins at crossroads hours before trade deadline

The Miami Marlins once again find themselves as sellers at the trade deadline. While it is getting tiresome constantly supplying the rest of the league with players, this trade deadline is a bit different in that the Marlins have a player in Sandy Alcantara for whom the trade return could really give Miami a significant boost of talent. While a number of teams have expressed interest in Alcantara, one name that keeps popping as a trade landing spot is the Yankees.

While Alcantara is not having a banner season whatsoever coming off of Tommy John surgery, teams like New York are still seriously considering betting on his talent and track record as a former Cy Young winner especially since he can be under team control at a very reasonable AAV through the 2027 season.

Well, things have escalated quickly with less than three hours before the trade deadline as the Yankees apparently just asked about a package that would not only include Alcantara, but also reliever Anthony Bender.

Yankees blockbuster request for Sandy Alcantara and Anthony Bender could completely alter the Marlins as a franchise

That is quite the ask and implies a certain amount of seriousness about getting a deal done from the Yankees. Alcantara and what he brings to the table is well known despite his less than stellar numbers in 2025. Adding Bender to the mix, one of the absolute best relievers still potentially available on the trade market with a 1.83 ERA in 45 appearances this season, is going to make the cost considerably higher. Remember, Bender is also arbitration eligible through the 2027 season.

For New York, such a blockbuster would reinforce their injury-battered rotation and give them a lock down reliever with plenty of experience in big spots. The Marlins would almost certainly ask for top Yankees prospect Spencer Jones or a similarly painful trade package in return for that deal, but the Marlins' position hasn't scared New York off yet at least.

We'll know soon enough as to how this will unfold, but things are starting to get very exciting and maybe, for at least a brief moment, Miami can make a move that can make fans forget the franchise's struggles.