The MLB free agent market just blew wide open, with some massive decisions already shaking things up. Sandy Alcantara is locked down in Miami, but Michael King is officially hitting the open market for the second straight offseason.
Big Names, Bigger Decisions: Alcantara, King, and Bichette Make Their Calls
The Miami Marlins weren’t messing around, exercising their $21 million option on Sandy Alcantara rather than paying out a $2 million buyout. That’s a huge commitment, guaranteeing the 31-year-old right-hander $75 million over six years as part of the deal he inked in November 2021. Alcantara was solid this year, going 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA in 33 starts and three relief appearances, all in his second season back from Tommy John surgery. That’s a pitcher Miami wants to keep, plain and simple.
On the flip side, Michael King is back in the free agent pool. The 31-year-old righty declined a hefty $28 million player option, choosing instead a $5 million buyout. This is the second consecutive offseason King has opted for free agency. He had a deal from December that guaranteed him $75 million over three seasons, but it let him bail after one year and $22 million. King proved his worth, posting a 12-10 record with a 3.21 ERA across 32 starts. He’s one of 14 new free agents on Friday, pushing the total to 155 since the World Series wrapped. Teams looking for a proven arm are gonna be all over King.
Bo Bichette, though, is staying put with the New York Mets. He agreed in January to a $126 million, three-year contract that included a $40 million signing bonus, a $2 million salary for 2026, and $42 million player options for both 2027 and 2028. The 28-year-old, a two-time All-Star shortstop in Toronto, made the shift to primarily third base in New York because Francisco Lindor holds down shortstop. Bichette hit .260 with 18 homers and 78 RBIs this year for a Mets team that was, let’s be honest, disappointing.
More Top Pitchers and an Outfielder Hit the Market
It’s not just King making waves. The free agent class for starting pitching is getting stronger. AL champion Tampa Bay declined mutual options on both Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins. Martinez, who is 36, had a $20 million mutual option with a $4 million buyout. He had a career year, setting a new high for wins with a 15-6 record and a 3.10 ERA over 31 starts, even becoming a first-time All-Star. He kept that momentum going in the postseason, going 1-1 with a 2.81 ERA in four appearances, including a start in Game 1 of the World Series. That’s a veteran arm who can deliver in big moments.
Boston said no to a $30 million option on Sonny Gray, who will now get a $5 million buyout paid out in five $1 million chunks starting January 15, 2027. Gray, a right-hander turning 37 next week, tied for the major league lead with 18 wins this season and put up a stellar 2.72 ERA, his best in a full season. Imagine what he could do for a contender!
Dustin May also hit the market, declining a $20 million mutual option with the World Series champion Brewers. May even started Game 4 of the World Series for Milwaukee this week. Talk about a big name becoming available!
Rounding out the Rays’ decisions, Cedric Mullins, 32, had a $10 million mutual option declined for a $500,000 buyout. He hit .205 with 15 homers, 48 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases.
What’s Next for the Hot Stove?
This is just the beginning of the post-season frenzy, folks. With about 40 more players potentially set to become free agents by Monday’s deadline for exercising options, the market is only going to get crazier. Keep an eye out for who makes the next big splash as teams try to retool for next season!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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