Marlins Pay $21 Million to Keep Alcantara

The Miami Marlins have exercised the final year of Sandy Alcantara's contract, locking the pitcher in for another season. The club chose to pay a $21 million option rather than a $2 million buyout. This decision secures Alcantara's $75 million, six-year deal that he signed in November 2021. The 31-year-old right-hander finished the season with a 13-11 record and a 3.87 ERA across 33 starts. He also made three relief appearances. This marks his second season recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Michael King has entered free agency for the second consecutive year. The Padres declined his $28 million player option, opting instead to pay a $5 million buyout. King had agreed to a contract guaranteeing $75 million over three seasons in December. That deal allowed him to exit after one year and a $17 million payout. The 31-year-old right-hander posted a 12-10 record with a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts this year. He joins a growing pool of players entering the market.

Bo Bichette decided to stay with the New York Mets. He exercised his rights under the $126 million, three-year contract he signed in January. That deal included a $40 million signing bonus. Bichette's salary for 2026 was set at $2 million. He also had $42 million player options for 2027 and 2028. The 28-year-old shortstop, who is now primarily a third baseman in New York, batted .260 with 18 home runs and 78 RBIs. He was a two-time All-Star in Toronto.

Several other pitchers have become free agents or remain under club control. The Tampa Bay Rays declined mutual options on Nick Martinez and Cedric Mullins. Martinez, 36, had a $20 million mutual option with a $4 million buyout. He finished with 15 wins and a 3.10 ERA, setting a career high. He also started Game 1 of the World Series. Mullins, 32, batted .205 with 15 home runs and 21 stolen bases.

The Boston Red Sox declined a $30 million option on Sonny Gray. Gray receives a $5 million buyout, payable in five $1 million installments starting January 15, 2027. The right-hander turns 37 next week. He tied for the major league lead with 18 wins and posted a 2.72 ERA this year. He agreed to a $75 million, three-year contract with St. Louis in November 2023 before being traded to Boston last November.

Dustin May, who started Game 4 of the World Series for Milwaukee, has also become a free agent. The Brewers declined his $20 million mutual option. May takes a $500,000 buyout. He agreed to a $12.5 million contract with the Cardinals in December before being acquired by Milwaukee at the August 3 trade deadline. The 29-year-old right-hander went 7-9 with a 4.70 ERA in 31 starts.

King's departure raises the number of new free agents to 155. This count covers the two days following the World Series. Approximately 40 more players could enter free agency by Monday. That is the deadline for exercising options. The market continues to expand as teams make final roster moves.