MLB 21st century face of the franchise — Miami Marlins: Sandy Alcantara
Until recently, the logical face of the Marlins franchise was Giancarlo Stanton, if only by default.
But since 2020, Marlins fans have had a new and dominant face to root for in pitching ace Sandy Alcantara.
During the abortive 2020 season, Alcantara made seven starts with a 3.00 ERA and won a playoff game. Through 118 games in a Marlins uniform, he has a 3.10 ERA, and he’s pitched 716 innings.
In 2022, he led the National League with 229 innings pitched, nearly three games worth of innings more than any other NL pitcher.
As a result, entering his age 27 season he already ranks third in franchise history in pitching WAR, first in earned run average, first in baserunners per nine innings of work, first in hits per nine innings, ninth in innings and fifth in complete games.
So attached have Marlins fans become to Alcantara that the Marlins management made the rare move of tying him up long-term. He’s under contract through 2027.
Alcantara also scores heavily with Miami’s heavily Latin population due to his Dominican roots.
In the wings: For Alcantara? Get serious. The Marlins have nobody who compares. Unless he suffers a physical breakdown, Alcantara will be the face of the Miami franchise for years to come.