Part 4/8:
Since that pivotal moment, Alcantara’s performance has markedly declined. Over his last five starts, he has surrendered 21 earned runs—a number exceeding his total strikeouts in the same span. His control has also deteriorated, with walks nearly matching his strikeout numbers. This shift suggests not only a loss of command but perhaps a blow to his mental state, reflecting the emotional aftermath of losing faith in management and the team environment.
This downturn is concerning for the Marlins because Alcantara once represented their most valuable asset; his former consistency made him a cornerstone for rebuilding efforts.