Marlins Have Planned to Retain Sandy Alcantara
The club eyes a $21 million option for their former Cy Young winner for the 2027 season.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Baseball
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The Miami Marlins intend to keep franchise icon Sandy Alcantara on the roster for 2027. The team holds a $21 million club option to bring back the pitcher, who remains a central figure for the organization despite recent injury hurdles.
Why it matters
Retaining Alcantara signals the Marlins' commitment to keeping a stable veteran presence on the mound after a period of roster turnover. The decision keeps a former league leader in Miami as the club balances its financial obligations, including remaining payments to Giancarlo Stanton.
Alcantara holds a $21 million club option for 2027 against a $2 million buyout clause. The pitcher posted a 3.87 ERA in 2026, marking a shift from his 5.36 mark in 2025.
The players
Sandy Alcantara
The Miami Marlins pitcher and former National League Cy Young Award winner.
Giancarlo Stanton
A former Marlins player who is still owed $3 million by the organization for the 2027 season.
The details
The Marlins currently hold the authority to either exercise the $21 million option or pay a $2 million buyout to move Alcantara to free agency. Following his recovery from 2024 Tommy John surgery, the team views him as a stable anchor for the rotation. This move comes as the organization also manages a $3 million obligation to Giancarlo Stanton for the upcoming season.
Timeline
2022: Sandy Alcantara won the National League Cy Young Award.
2023: Alcantara's earned run average rose to 4.14.
2024: The pitcher missed the entire season due to surgery.
2025: Alcantara recorded an earned run average of 5.36.
2027: This is the potential return season under the club option.
Beyond the 305
The Marlins have not signed a free agent to a multi-year deal since the addition of Jean Segura. This potential contract decision for Alcantara represents a pivot in how the organization manages its core veteran roster investments.
Fans should watch for the official announcement regarding the club option during the current offseason. The team's choice will dictate the strength of the starting rotation heading into the 2027 season at loanDepot park.
The takeaway
The team's decision rests on whether they value the stability of a former Cy Young winner at $21 million or prefer to enter the open market. Fans should monitor official club updates throughout this offseason for confirmation on the pitcher's status.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster moves, visit the Miami Baseball section.
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