After sitting out the 2024 season while recovering from an elbow surgery (known as Tommy John surgery), Sandy Alcántara is back. The 2022 NL Cy Young Award winner, known for his fastball and stamina on the mound, returns to anchor the Miami Marlins’ rotation this season. But beyond the accolades and strikeouts, there’s much more to Alcántara than meets the eye.
Ahead of the season, Remezcla was able to catch up with Alcántara at the Marlins training facility in Jupiter, Florida. In that conversation, he shared how his love for baseball is matched by his pride in representing the Dominican Republic, both in Major League Baseball and on the international stage. It’s a passion rooted in family, culture, and a joy that he says is woven into the Dominican way of life.
As he reflects on the ups and downs of his rehab journey, Alcántara shares what kept him motivated through the toughest moments, along with what fuels him beyond the field, whether it’s a specific song or his very extensive fragrance collection, his go-to meal when he lands in the DR, or his love for gaming.
In this interview, Alcántara opens up about his goals, the Dominican culture, and the energy he’s bringing into this comeback season.
The Comeback
What was the toughest part of your rehab mentally and physically?
Not being able to compete every five days. Just being there, watching, whether we were winning or losing. It was tough. But that’s in the past, and I don’t dwell on it. Now I’m healthy and back, which was always the goal. I can finally compete every five days again. I’ve been doing it since the first day of training, and I’m grateful for the effort from the trainers and myself for staying positive and believing in me. That’s why I’m here today, ready to compete.
What’s the mindset you’re bringing into this season?
To stay healthy all year. Everyone knows that when I’m healthy, they know what I can do on the field every five days. Not just on the field, but also at home, out in public, and in my community in the Dominican Republic. But I’m just really happy to be back and ready to compete at 100% every time.
Dominican Pride
How does it feel to represent the Dominican Republic, both in the World Baseball Classic and in the MLB?
I’m extremely happy because we have another opportunity to be in the World Baseball Classic, representing our country. That’s something every Latino dreams of. I’m really grateful for this opportunity: to go there, compete, and represent what we always do best.
In your opinion, what makes Dominican baseball players stand out from players in other countries?
We have different food, different culture, different sazón, as we say. I think what sets us apart from other countries is that we’re always joyful, always competitive. No matter if things are going well or not, we always carry that happiness inside, and we know everything will be fine.
What does the Dominican Republic mean to you, especially after the injury and seeing all the support from Dominicans?
I think for a player, family is the most important thing. Family always has to be there, supporting us through the ups and downs. My family, in particular, is quite big, but they always support me, whether it’s the youngest or the oldest. The only one missing is my mom, who passed away years ago, but I know she continues to give me love from heaven. I’m really grateful for the family I have. We always enjoy every moment when we’re together. That’s what we’re here for, to support each other and stay united.
What’s the first meal you have when you land in the Dominican Republic?
Our food! Rice, beans, meat. We mix it up with chicken, beef, or goat. And of course, mofongo, which is a must. And for the diet? A salad, just kidding! I don’t care about the salad, I care about the food. The moment you land in the DR, you’re already looking for a spot to eat, but the most important thing is getting home and tasting that home-cooked flavor from your family.
Off the Field
What’s your pre-game playlist looking like these days?
Number one is always the song I listen to for 15 minutes straight before a game. It’s a Christian song my mom loved called Todo Va a Estar Bien. Then outside of Christian music, I listen to Aventura, Bad Bunny, El Alfa, and some Dominican artists like Los Mier and El Meloso.
Is there something about you that might surprise people?
I think people already know a lot about me. They know I’m a good person, very charismatic, I love video games, I’m a good father (at least in my own eyes and my family’s), a good brother, and a chill guy. But when it comes to my work, I’m very serious, and I separate myself from everything else when I’m on the field.
What’s your favorite video game to unwind with?
I only play one: PUBG Mobile, which is kind of like Call of Duty. It’s my way of relaxing, taking my mind off baseball for a bit. That’s what entertains me the most besides spending time with my family, and I really enjoy it.
Style Talk
For Dominicans, style is a big deal. How would you describe your fashion?
Of course! That’s why they say we’re the sazón of everything. The way we dress, the way we walk, the way we dance, the way we play baseball. It’s all part of who we are. That’s what makes Dominicans special, we know how to do things our way. Some younger players are trying to switch things up in how they represent themselves, but for me, that doesn’t change what makes us great.
What’s your all-time favorite sneaker?
That’s tough because I have a lot of sneakers. But I’d say the Dior 1s. I have them in blue. If I had to pick between the Off-White 1s and the Diors, I’d go with the Diors.
What’s your go-to fragrance these days?
Oh, that’s a good question! I’m actually a fragrance collector, believe it or not. I’ve probably owned around 300 perfumes in total, but right now, I have about 100 available. I love Creed, Bond No. 9, and Louis Vuitton, which has been coming out with some great fragrances. I also like Tom Ford and Carolina Herrera, there are too many.
Wow. How did you get into collecting fragrances?
Since I was a kid, I always wanted to smell good. Back then, I didn’t have the means to buy cologne, but thanks to God, I have the opportunity now. There’s pretty much no cologne I don’t have. Sometimes I order online, but I also go to the mall to check them out in person.
Where are you holding this fragrance collection?
I have a space in my closet just for fragrances. I’ve got my shoes, pants, jackets, shirts… and then the perfume collection.
