Marlins Option on Alcantara Only Requires Elementary Math
· Yahoo Sports
There's no denying what starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara has accomplished in his time with the Miami Marlins, and now, the former Cy Young Award winner is awaiting word on his club option for 2027 - one the club is most definitely going to pull the trigger on.
And for good reason, as the veteran is not only the ace of the staff but one of the most successful hurlers in the history of the Marlins franchise. His 2026 effort was not only outstanding, but it also answered a lot of questions about if he was truly 'back' after having Tommy John Surgery.
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If the Fish choose not to exercise his option, it will only count as $2 million on the books. So, if president of baseball operations Peter Bendix and the front office wanted to play the role of cheapskate and let go of arguably the team's most valuable and popular player, they could get out pretty easily financially.
However, the backlash from the fan base would be impossible to count, in terms of both public relations and potential dollars. It would also signal that the club isn't really serious about finally stepping into the fray when it comes to the playoff race next season.
Instead, the Fish would be better served by not only guaranteeing Alcantara's $21 million contract for 2027, but also negotiating a long-term deal with the 31-year-old that would make him a Marlin for life. As the team turns the page and enters a new generation, he has been a survivor of some truly up-and-down years for Miami. It would almost be fitting to see him walk off the mound for the final time in Miami as the franchise's all-time wins leader; he trails only Ricky Nolasco and Dontrelle Willis on that list currently. Surely, that kind of close to his career would guarantee his #22 jersey would be retired as well.
Alcantara's five-year, $56 million extension, signed before the 2022 season, established his salaries through 2026 and included a final club option for 2027. So the figure was something the team originally negotiated themselves, and the starter has given them every reason to hold on to him.
Even at a 20+ million-dollar price tag, it's still an efficient investment for the Fish. Alcantara was 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA. On top of those marks, his 214 innings pitched led all of Major League Baseball. If El Caballo free agent, he would likely command about $30 million per season - especially to a big-market contender like the New York Yankees or (even worse) division rivals like the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. So, the Marlins can keep their ace to satisfy their fans and still do it all for far less than the open market would allow.
Bendix realizes that and has acknowledged it publicly.
“With Sandy in particular, he is so meaningful to this organization," Bendix said, regarding the situation. "That's not lost on me; that's not lost on us.”
It seems about 99% that the option will be picked up, but the $2 million is looming oin the minds of some who follow the Fish. They need not worry - at least for 2027 - as the team has all but confirmed Alcantara's return is a done deal. However, what that means for the star's long-term future remains up in the air.