Sandy Alcántara to Make Record Sixth Opening Day Start for Miami Marlins

Right-hander Sandy Alcántara will start for the Marlins on March 27 against Colorado, marking his franchise-record sixth Opening Day nod.

JUPITER, Fla. — The Miami Marlins have officially designated 30-year-old right-hander Sandy Alcántara as their Opening Day starter for the March 27 home opener against the Colorado Rockies. This selection marks a franchise-record sixth time the ace has received the nod to start the season. Manager Clayton McCullough announced the decision on Friday, exactly six weeks prior to the scheduled first pitch at loanDepot park. This move follows a 2024 campaign where Alcántara missed the entire season due to recovery from Tommy John surgery, though he returned to the mound for the team's season opener last year.

Alcántara enters the 2025 season carrying a career record of 52-67 with a 3.65 ERA across 177 games, including 169 starts. During his most recent active season in 2023, the pitcher posted an 11-12 record and a 5.36 ERA over 31 starts. Despite a difficult stretch where he lost seven consecutive starts and went nearly two months without a victory, he finished the year with momentum. Over his final 12 starts of that season, the righty went 7-3 with a 3.13 ERA, a performance Peter Bendix, president of baseball operations, described as essentially rehabbing in the big leagues on the fly.

Statistical Legacy and Cy Young Background

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The Dominican-born pitcher reached the pinnacle of his career in 2022 when he was named the National League Cy Young Award winner. During that elite season, he finished with a 14-9 record and a 2.28 ERA. He led the league with 228 2/3 innings pitched and recorded 207 strikeouts. This performance earned him one of his two career All-Star selections. His durability has been a hallmark of his tenure in Miami since arriving from the St. Louis Cardinals in a trade that included Zac Gallen and two other players in exchange for Marcell Ozuna.

Alcántara’s professional history includes only eight relief appearances, all of which occurred during his lone season with St. Louis in 2017. Since joining the Marlins, he has been utilized exclusively as a starter. McCullough noted that the decision to name him the number one for the upcoming season was straightforward given his physical condition and offseason progression. The manager highlighted the pitcher's resilience in pushing forward through the challenges of the previous season's first half to finish strong.

World Baseball Classic and Spring Preparation

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Before taking the mound against Colorado, Alcántara is scheduled to pitch for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic next month. The Marlins coaching staff expects this international competition to serve as a platform for him to get stretched out. McCullough anticipates that the right-hander will return to camp in good shape, potentially reaching the same level of readiness as if he had remained in Jupiter for the duration of spring training. The team plans to monitor his progress upon his return and pick up his throwing program from wherever he stands at that time.

In a video released by the club, Alcántara expressed that he entered camp with the mindset to compete for any spot in the rotation, whether it was first or second. He conveyed his excitement for another opportunity to represent the organization on the mound. Bendix remarked that seeing the "full version" of the ace on Opening Day is a significant development for the club, especially after observing the "rust" that was present during the early months of his last active season.

Roster Impact and Managerial Outlook

Clayton McCullough’s first major tactical decision as manager solidifies the top of the rotation well in advance of the late-March start. The focus remains on Alcántara’s ability to replicate his second-half 2023 form, where he surrendered fewer runs and stabilized the pitching staff. The Marlins are banking on his 1.22 career WHIP and his ability to eat innings to lead a staff looking to improve upon last year's results. By naming him six weeks out, the team allows the rest of the rotation to fall into place behind the veteran leader.

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The franchise record of six Opening Day starts underscores Alcántara’s longevity in Miami. His presence provides a veteran anchor for a team that has navigated significant trade speculation and roster turnover in recent years. As the March 27 date approaches, the focus will shift to his performance in the World Baseball Classic to ensure he remains on track for the home clash against the Rockies.