Sandy Alcantara Named Opening Day Starter for Sixth Time, Cementing His Role as Marlins' Ace
JUPITER, Fla. - It’s official: Sandy Alcantara will take the ball on Opening Day for the sixth time in his career, setting a new franchise record for the Marlins and reaffirming his place as the heart of Miami’s rotation.
Manager Clayton McCullough made the announcement in a team video posted Friday, delivering the news with a message that felt more like a moment between two competitors than a formal declaration. “No secret.
You get that ball Opening Day. You deserve it,” McCullough told Alcantara.
“Friday at home against the Rockies at night. You got it for us, big boy.”
It’s a fitting honor for the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, who continues to be the tone-setter for a young Marlins staff. While Miami has gone 2-3 in Alcantara’s previous Opening Day starts, his presence on the mound has always been more about setting a standard than chasing early-season wins. He brings a workhorse mentality, a deep pitch mix, and a competitive edge that resonates throughout the clubhouse.
And this year, he’s coming in with a new wrinkle.
During Thursday’s live batting practice, Alcantara unveiled a sweeper - a pitch that’s become increasingly popular across the league for its horizontal movement and deception. For a pitcher who already boasts a high-90s sinker, a devastating changeup, and a sharp slider, the addition of a sweeper gives him yet another tool to keep hitters guessing. It’s a subtle but significant development as he continues to evolve post-surgery.
Last season, in his return from Tommy John surgery, Alcantara gave a glimpse of his old form right out of the gate. He carried a no-hitter into the fifth inning on Opening Day before giving up a pair of runs and exiting early. The Marlins would eventually walk off the Pirates in the ninth, but the early innings were a reminder of what Alcantara can still bring when he’s locked in.
There’s been no shortage of trade speculation surrounding Alcantara over the past year, but the Marlins made it clear this offseason: he’s staying put. Instead of moving their ace, Miami opted to deal from the middle of its rotation, trading Edward Cabrera and Ryan Weathers to retool in other areas. It’s a move that not only reinforces Alcantara’s status as the staff leader but also signals the club’s belief in his ability to anchor the rotation through a pivotal season.
Alcantara, ever the competitor, greeted the news with humility and focus.
“I came here with the mentality to compete like always - for a spot, No. 1, No. 2, whatever,” he said in the video. “Super excited about another opportunity to be on the mound for the Marlins, and I’m very happy.”
He’s not just happy - he’s ready. And so are the Marlins.
When the lights go up on Opening Night in Miami, it’ll be No. 22 on the mound once again. The fans know the routine by now: Alcantara sets the tone, and the season begins.