The Miami Marlins have officially exercised the $21 million option on Sandy Alcantara, blocking the 31-year-old right-hander from entering free agency and securing his services for another season. By choosing the option over the $2 million buyout, Miami guarantees Alcantara $75 million over six years under the deal he signed in November 2021. This strategic move keeps one of the league’s most reliable starters in South Florida, especially after he returned from Tommy John surgery to post a 13-11 record with a 3.87 ERA in 33 starts this year.
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In a contrasting development, Michael King has entered the free agent market after the San Diego Padres declined his $28 million player option in favor of a $5 million buyout. The 31-year-old right-hander, who finished the season with a 12-10 record and a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts, now joins a growing pool of available talent. King’s entry brings the total number of new free agents to 155 in the two days following the World Series, with approximately 40 more players potentially hitting the market as teams finalize their rosters.
The free agency wave continues to sweep through the majors, with starting pitchers Sonny Gray and Nick Martinez also becoming free agents after their respective teams declined mutual options. Meanwhile, the New York Mets retained their star shortstop, Bo Bichette, who decided to keep his current contract rather than explore the open market. These moves signal a pivotal moment in the offseason, where teams are aggressively managing payroll and roster flexibility ahead of the next season.
Source: Yahoo Sports
