The Miami Marlins intend to hold onto starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara despite ongoing interest from other teams, according to reports. Meanwhile, the St. Louis Cardinals are targeting a right-handed outfield bat following their trade of catcher Willson Contreras to the Boston Red Sox. These moves reflect broader offseason strategies as teams prepare for 2026.
The MLB offseason continues to heat up with key rumors surrounding the Miami Marlins and St. Louis Cardinals. Despite heavy interest in Sandy Alcantara dating back to the 2025 trade deadline, the Marlins want to keep their ace, as reported by the Miami Herald. They would require a substantial offer to even consider a deal. Alcantara, aged 30, endured a challenging 2025 season in his return from Tommy John surgery but showed improvement later in the year. Teams remain optimistic about his potential, undeterred by his overall performance. With $17 million owed in 2026 and a $21 million club option for 2027, there is no pressing need for Miami to trade him.
The Marlins have bolstered their bullpen by signing closer Pete Fairbanks to a one-year, $13 million contract earlier this week. This follows news that reliever Ronny Henriquez, their top performer in 2025, will miss 2026 after undergoing UCL surgery. FanGraphs projects the team's 2026 payroll at $73 million, up slightly from $70 million in 2025. Miami is open to discussions about right-hander Edward Cabrera, though the Houston Astros and Baltimore Orioles have shifted focus after acquiring Mike Burrows and Shane Baz, respectively.
In St. Louis, president of baseball operations Chaim Bloom indicated the Cardinals' desire for a right-handed hitting outfielder after trading Willson Contreras to the Red Sox. The outfield currently features left-handed hitters Lars Nootbaar and Victor Scott II. FanGraphs lists top available righty outfield free agents for 2026 by projected WAR: Harrison Bader (+1.5), Miguel Andujar (+1.2), Randal Grichuk (+0.6), Austin Hays (+0.4), and Tommy Pham (+0.4). However, options are limited; Bader may prove too costly, Andujar suits designated hitter better, Grichuk and Pham are declining, and Hays draws interest from contenders.
The Cardinals, who finished 78-84 in 2025, have also traded Sonny Gray this offseason and may move Brendan Donovan or Nolan Arenado, though the latter's no-trade clause and fading production complicate matters. St. Louis prioritizes long-term stability over immediate contention, risking consecutive losing seasons for the first time since 1958-59.
