Last December, Juan Soto, who signed a 15-year contract worth $765 million (Hanwha 1.1236 trillion won) with the New York Mets, suggested that the team should acquire Sandy Alcantara (Miami Marlins), a former Cy Young winner, to strengthen its roster.

It is widely known that joining the league's best starting pitcher would help enhance the team’s strength. However, it is notable that Juan Soto mentioned the necessity of acquiring Sandy Alcantara.

On the 2nd (Korean time), the Mets lost 2-4 in an away game against the Miami Marlins at LoanDepot Park in Miami, Florida. On this day, Soto, who played as the No. 2 right fielder, had no hits in three at-bats and one walk, praising the skills of Alcantara, who earned the first win of the season with a performance of two earned runs (three hits including one home run, four strikeouts, and two earned runs).

According to a report by the U.S. sports media Sporting News, Soto said, “Acquiring Alcantara would be one of the best trades we could make,” and noted, “I know we have great pitchers on our team, but adding a Cy Young winner would be a big help.”

Of course, Soto is well aware that bringing Alcantara in is not an easy task. He remarked, “It will take a lot of time to bring Sandy Alcantara.”

Soto predicted that if Alcantara played for the Mets, he would enjoy his prime. He said, “Alcantara is currently playing for a team with a low chance of making the playoffs, but if he moves to a team with championship potential, we’ll see what kind of abilities he can display.”

Alcantara, who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022, did not step on the mound last year due to the effects of right elbow ligament surgery. Soto stated, “He has not had any pitching records due to rehabilitation after elbow surgery last year, but he is similar to his former self now,” and noted, “He is really smart and knows what he is doing.”

The media reported, “Just as Soto has a reason for signing a massive contract worth $765 million with the Mets, Alcantara would undoubtedly be a great asset if he joins the Mets’ starting rotation.”

Meanwhile, Alcantara made his major league debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 and has been playing for Miami since 2018. In a total of 148 major league games, he has recorded 42 wins and 55 losses with an earned run average of 3.32. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022 with a record of 14 wins and 9 losses and an earned run average of 2.28.

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