The Houston Astros had a good season this year, but still fell short in their division and in making the playoffs. Now, with their ace, Framber Valdez, potentially heading for the door, they need to find a replacement.

Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer believes that the Astros could find a cost-effective stop-gap replacement in former Cy Young and two-time All-Star, Sandy Alcantara.

“Given how many rumors have revolved around him over the last 365 days, it is frankly astonishing that Sandy Alcantara is still on the Marlins…And yet, the 30-year-old should not be as untouchable as he was when he was coming off his Cy Young Award-winning season in 2022. He regressed in 2023, missed all of 2024 after Tommy John surgery, and never really reclaimed his ace card in a 2025 season that resulted in a 5.36 ERA…However, if the Marlins are going to trade their ace, it would have to be for the sake of their offense. It was close to average at scoring runs this year, but it could use an injection of power after ranking 27th in home runs…Prediction: Traded to Astros,” Rymer wrote.

This past season, Alcantara posted a record of 11-12, a 5.36 ERA, 142 Ks, and a WHIP of 1.271 over 172 innings pitched. In his first full season back from Tommy John, it doesn’t seem like he’s going to be the player he used to be, but he’s still progressing to a point where he’ll be a solid No. 2.

And for the Astros, that’s what they need. With the potential departure of Valdez, Hunter Brown is now the ace of Houston. And what’s better than a former Cy Young mentoring your Cy Young candidate?

Hopefully, the Astros realize this and start working on negotiations with the Miami Marlins right away.