The Miami Marlins don’t usually operate like a team ready to swing big in free agency. Their track record has been more about developing talent and moving it out the door than making splashy additions. But this offseason could look a little different.
With the World Series now in the books, Miami’s offseason is underway, and the club already made one important call by exercising its option on Sandy Alcantara for 2027. That keeps the ace in place at $21 million that season and gives the front office some room to explore other moves.
One name that fits the Marlins’ needs is veteran right-hander Nick Martinez. He’s now a free agent after turning down his $20 million mutual option for the 2027 season, and he could be exactly the kind of pitcher Miami targets.
There’s a practical angle here, too. Martinez is currently based in Tampa Bay, and a move across Florida could appeal to him. The Marlins already took a similar path this past offseason when they signed Pete Fairbanks, and Martinez could be another player willing to stay in-state.
The money also lines up in a way that makes sense for Miami. Spotrac projects Martinez to make just over what Alcantara is set to earn in 2027, and that kind of number could fit on a two-year deal. At this stage of his career, the idea of pitching for the team where he lives has obvious appeal.
Martinez gave the Rays a strong season. He made 31 starts, posted a 3.10 ERA over 180 innings, struck out 109 batters and finished with a 1.094 WHIP. For a Marlins rotation that is currently built around younger arms, that kind of veteran presence would matter.
A rotation featuring Alcantara, Martinez and Eury Perez in 2027 would give Miami a legitimate trio to build around. The offense has already shown it can do enough, as long as the front office keeps the core together instead of dealing it away.
Miami went 80-82 and is moving in the right direction. For Martinez, who just came up short of a World Series ring, the fit is easy to see: a veteran starter joining a young team on the rise in the National League, without costing the Marlins much over the long haul.
That’s why Miami has a real case as a landing spot. The opportunity is there, and if the Marlins want to land players like Martinez, they’ll need to get their interest out early.