Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara fully committed and ready to play for Dominican Republic in World Baseball Classic
Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara is committed to representing his country in the upcoming World Baseball Classic. The 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner never thought twice about taking the mound for Team Dominican Republic as the team seeks to regain the World Baseball Classic championship it last won in 2013.
Sandy Alcantara didn't think twice about taking the mound for his country in the World Baseball Classic 🇩🇴 https://t.co/B5CMgL1TEb
"Since the first day they started talking about the WBC, I said, 'I'm going there'" - Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara on pitching in the World Baseball Classic, via MLB.com
Sandy Alcantara, a native of the Dominican Republic, is signed to a five-year, $56 million contract that runs through 2026. Among the reasons he likes pitching for the Marlins is the proximity to his homeland.
"I love Miami. That's why I bring my family here," Alcantara said during the interview. "I love Miami so much because it is close to my country. It's like an hour, 45 (minute) flight. And the culture here ... the food and all that stuff."
Sandy Alcantara has risen to superstar status since coming to the Marlins in a trade prior to the 2018 season.
The St. Louis Cardinals originally had claim to Sandy Alcantara, but traded the young hurler to the Marlins in a package to acquire outfielder Marcell Ozuna.
He pitched in just eight games with the Cardinals before the trade and made six starts for the Marlins in his first year in Miami. From there, however, he quickly became a mainstay in south Florida.
In 2019, Alcantara lost a National League-leading 14 games, but still made his first All-Star appearance on the strength of a 3.88 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 151 strikeouts.
In 2021, he lost 15 games – largely due to the Marlins' offensive inabilities. He started a major league-leading 33 games, struck out 201 batters and carried a WHIP of 1.08 with a 3.19 ERA.
It all came together for Alcantara in 2022, as he led the majors with six complete games, 886 batters faced, and 228 2/3 innings. In 32 starts, he struck out 207 batters with a 0.98 WHIP and 2.28 ERA to post a 14-9 record and run away with the Cy Young Award race.
Alcantara might have a chance to pitch for World Baseball Classic title in his home ballpark
If things go right for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic, Alcantara could have the chance to pitch for the championship in his home ballpark.
The Dominican Republic is among the favorites to take the title away from the defending WBC champions, the United States.
Alcantara's squad is in a difficult pool, featuring former World Baseball Classic medalists Venezuela and Puerto Rico.
However, if the Dominican Republic is able to advance out of pool play and win its way through the tournament bracket, the championship game is scheduled to be played at Miami's LoanDepot Park, home of the Marlins, on March 21.