Marlins Exercise Alcantara Option

The Miami Marlins exercised their $21 million option on Sandy Alcantara on Friday, keeping the veteran right-hander under contract for another season. This move prevents Alcantara from becoming a free agent and extends the terms of the deal he reached in November 2021. The club chose this path over paying a $2 million buyout, securing the pitcher's services through the agreed-upon six-year structure.

At 31 years old, Alcantara finished the 2026 season with a 13-11 record and a 3.87 earned run average. He made 33 starts and three relief appearances, marking his second season of returning to the mound following Tommy John surgery. The option exercise guarantees him $75 million over the full six-year duration of his contract.

In a related transaction, the San Diego Padres allowed Michael King to become a free agent. The 31-year-old right-hander declined a $28 million player option, accepting a $5 million buyout instead. This is the second consecutive offseason King has entered the market as a free agent. During the 2026 campaign, King posted a 12-10 record with a 3.21 earned run average across 32 starts.

King joined 14 other players who became free agents on Friday. These additions brought the total number of new free agents to 155 in the two days following the World Series. Approximately 40 additional players could join this group by Monday, which is the deadline for teams to exercise their options.

Bo Bichette decided to remain with the New York Mets, keeping the three-year, $126 million contract he signed in January. The agreement includes a $40 million signing bonus and a $2 million salary for the 2026 season. The two-time All-Star, who previously played shortstop in Toronto, shifted primarily to third base in New York. He finished the season batting .260 with 18 home runs and 78 runs batted in.

The Tampa Bay Rays declined mutual options on starting pitcher Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins. Martinez, age 36, had a career-best 15 wins and a 3.10 earned run average in 31 starts during the regular season. He also made four postseason appearances, including a start in the first game of the World Series. Mullins, age 32, batted .205 with 15 home runs and 21 stolen bases for the AL champions.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Sonny Gray also entered the free agent market after the club declined his $30 million option. Gray, who turns 37 next week, will receive a $5 million buyout paid in five $1 million installments starting in January 2027. He tied for the major league lead in wins with 18 victories and posted a career-best 2.72 earned run average for the Red Sox this year.