Marlins Retain Sandy Alcantara; Michael King and Sonny Gray Head to Free Agency

Miami exercised a $21 million option on pitcher Sandy Alcantara, while Michael King declined a $28 million player option to join 14 new MLB free agents.

The Miami Marlins exercised a $21 million option on right-hander Sandy Alcantara Friday, blocking him from free agency and guaranteeing the pitcher $75 million over six years. Alcantara, 31, finished the season 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA across 33 starts and three relief appearances. Conversely, Michael King entered the market after declining a $28 million player option in favor of a $5 million buyout. King posted a 12-10 record with a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts this year.

Sonny Gray and Nick Martinez also became free agents after their respective teams declined mutual options. Boston declined a $30 million option on Gray, who tied for the major league lead with 18 wins and a 2.72 ERA. Martinez, a first-time All-Star who went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA, hit the market after Tampa Bay declined his $20 million mutual option. The Rays also declined a $10 million option on outfielder Cedric Mullins, who hit .205 with 15 home runs and 21 stolen bases.

In New York, Bo Bichette elected to remain with the Mets, keeping a contract that includes a $2 million salary for 2026 and $42 million player options for the following two years. Bichette batted .260 with 18 homers and 78 RBI while primarily playing third base. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Brewers saw World Series Game 4 starter Dustin May go free after he declined a $20 million mutual option for a $500,000 buyout.

Additional transactions included the Chicago Cubs losing left-hander Matt Boyd and catcher Carson Kelly to free agency after declined options. The Minnesota Twins declined a $10 million option on first baseman Josh Bell, who recorded 21 homers and 96 RBI, and a $13 million option on Joe Ryan. Kansas City exercised a $2.5 million club option on Tony Gonsolin but declined a $13 million option on reliever Carlos Estévez following his injury-shortened season.