Marlins retain Alcantara with $21M option as King, Bichette decide futures

Miami exercised its $21 million player option on Sandy Alcantara on Friday, blocking the 31-year-old right-hander from entering free agency. By choosing the option over a $2 million buyout, the Marlins guaranteed the pitcher a total of $75 million over six years, fulfilling the agreement he reached in November 2021. Alcantara finished the season 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA in 33 starts and three relief appearances, his second year recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Michael King joined the free agent market the same day after declining a $28 million player option in favor of a $5 million buyout. The 31-year-old right-hander, who went 12-10 with a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts, now faces his second straight offseason as a free agent. Bo Bichette also kept his contract with the New York Mets, forgoing a $40 million signing bonus and $42 million in player options for 2027 and 2028. The 28-year-old shortstop hit .260 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs while playing primarily at third base for the Mets.

Sonny Gray and Nick Martinez also became free agents after their teams declined mutual options. Gray, who turns 37 next week, received a $5 million buyout from Boston. He tied for the major league lead with 18 wins and posted a career-best 2.72 ERA. Martinez, 36, was released by Tampa Bay despite going 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA and earning a first-time All-Star nod. He also started Game 1 of the World Series for the Rays.

Other notable decisions included the Kansas City Royals declining a $13 million option on Carlos Estévez, who received a $2 million buyout. Estévez, a 33-year-old right-hander, made only one appearance this year before suffering a bruised foot and rotator cuff strain. The Los Angeles Angels declined a $2.5 million option on Robert Stephenson, who has had limited innings since Tommy John surgery in 2024.

The total number of new free agents reached 155 in the two days following the World Series. About 40 more players could join them by Monday, the deadline for teams to exercise options. This surge in available talent provides a significant roster flexibility opportunity for clubs looking to rebuild or retool before the next season begins.

The deadline for options marks the final step in the initial wave of offseason moves. Teams that have not acted by Monday will have their players automatically become free agents. This period sets the stage for the winter meeting, where agents and front offices will negotiate the next round of contracts.