On July 2, 2013, pitcher Sandy Alcántara agreed to a free-agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. He had a rocky start in 2014, going 1-9 in 12 games for the DSL Cardinals.
In 2015, he played well for the GCL Cardinals, going 4-4, 3.22. He played for the Palm Beach Cardinals of the Florida State League and the Peoria Chiefs of the Midwest League in 2016 respectively.
His record was unimpressive (5-11), but he had a respectable ERA (3.96) and excellent numbers of strikeouts (153 in 122 2/3 innings).
In 25 games for the Springfield Cardinals, he was 7-5 with a 4.31 ERA before being promoted to the Double A Texas League in 2017.
However, in 125 1/3 innings, his strikeout rate dropped significantly to 106.
He was still regarded as one of the top pitching prospects in the organization due to his exceptional raw stuff and young age, and the major league Cardinals gave him a look in September despite his 4.32 ERA in 8 bullpen appearances.
He and outfielder Magneuris Sierra were two of the four prospects that St. Louis sent to the Miami Marlins in exchange for All-Star outfielder Marcell Ozuna on December 13, 2017.
On June 29th, he made his debut start for the Marlins after beginning the 2018 campaign in the minor leagues. He defeated the New York Mets, 8-2, giving just one run over the course of five innings.
How Did Marlins Get Sandy Alcantara?
Sandy Alcantara was acquired by the Marlins through trade. In exchange for Marcell Ozuna, the Cardinals dealt Alcántara, Magneuris Sierra, Zac Gallen, and Daniel Castano to the Miami Marlins on December 14, 2017.