Scouting Report: Alcantara is armed with a plus-plus fastball, which previously topped out at 102 mph. In 2018, he threw more 92-95 mph two-seam fastballs, though he is still capable of using his upper-90s four-seamer when needed. Alcantara's issue is getting his fastball over the plate for strike one, and his fringe-average control has hampered his development. A tall, lanky righthander, Alcantara walked more than three batters per nine innings in 2018, and that number increased to more than six walks per nine in his limited, 34-inning sample in the big leagues. All three of his secondary offerings have above-average to plus potential, though Alcantara relied more heavily on his mid-to-upper 80s slider against righthanders, while backing off using his low-80s curveball as much. His upper-80s changeup provides another potential swing-and-miss pitch, most notably against lefthanders.
The Future: Alcantara has the pure stuff of a frontline starter, but his control will decide his fate. After ending 2018 in the Marlins' rotation, the 23-year-old should compete for a spot in the Opening Day rotation in 2019.
