The Marlins head into the offseason with a familiar kind of roster puzzle: a low payroll, a team coming off an 80-82 season, and President of Baseball Operations Peter Bendix having to sort out who fits the long-term picture.
At the top of the list is Sandy Alcantara. Miami has to decide whether to pick up his $21 option or buy him out, and the choice carries real weight because he has been the face of the staff for years.
He’s become a veteran presence and a leader in the clubhouse, but 2026 was not a Cy Young-level season. Alcantara did still deliver a few notable moments, including his first career save.
The Marlins seem caught between wanting to keep him in the organization and not wanting to let his talent go to waste.
He is in the final year of his five-year contract, and if the guess here is right, his time in Miami may be winding down. If the Marlins do move on, Eury Perez could step into the No. 1 role unless the front office finds another answer.
Kyle Stowers is another major call on Bendix’s desk. After a strong 2025 season, he still hasn’t landed an extension, even though he remains under team control through 2029.
The hesitation appears to come from durability concerns, with Stowers dealing repeatedly with hamstring injuries. Miami wants to build around players who can stay on the field, but the Marlins also have to weigh that against a thin first-base situation.
Stowers has experience there in addition to the outfield, which adds to his value. His side may be looking for a $100 million deal, though Miami likely isn’t thinking in that range; the club’s ceiling may be closer to half of that.
The front office could also explore bigger roster shuffles, including the possibility of trading Xavier Edwards or Otto Lopez. That would be a tough pill for fans, but the Marlins will listen if the right offers come in.
Edwards and Lopez are both first-time arbitration-eligible, and both have given Miami solid production at the plate while also providing value on defense. If the club has to choose one to move, Lopez may be the likelier candidate. With a low payroll, he’s going to want to get paid eventually, and Miami has the advantage of a deep group of young prospects coming up through the minors.