Marlins exercise RHP Sandy Alcantara's '27 club option

Sep 20, 2026; San Diego, California, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Sandy Alcantara (22) delivers during the first inning against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images The Miami Marlins exercised former Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara's $21 million club option for 2027 on Friday. There was a $2 million buyout if the Marlins had opted not to bring back the 31-year-old right-hander. Alcantara, 31, was 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA and three saves in 36 games (33 starts) in 2026, striking out 153 batters and walking 59 in 214 innings. Marlins president of baseball operations Peter Bendix discussed the two-time All-Star's value at his season-ending press conference. "With Sandy in particular, he is so meaningful to this organization," Bendix said. "That's not lost on me. That's not lost on us. Another incredible season. Really, really fun to watch him pitch. His leadership in the clubhouse, the way he handles himself, the way he sets an example for the rest of the team -- it's second to none, and it's something that I know (manager) Clayton (McCullough) really appreciates (and) I really appreciate. We value it tremendously." Alcantara is 65-78 with a 3.69 ERA in 213 career games (202 starts) with the St. Louis Cardinals (2017) and Marlins. He won the National League Cy Young Award in 2022 and missed the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery. --Field Level Media