14 New MLB Free Agents Hit Market As Alcantara Stays Put

Miami Retains Alcantara While Others Hit Market

The Miami Marlins decided to keep Sandy Alcantara off the open market on Friday. The team exercised its 21 million dollar option on the 31 year old right hander instead of paying a 2 million dollar buyout. Alcantara went 13-11 with a 3.87 ERA in 33 starts and three relief appearances this season.

Meanwhile, 14 other players entered free agency on Friday. That brought the two day total to 155 players after the World Series concluded. Roughly 40 additional players could join the open market by Monday's deadline.

Starting Pitchers Choose Open Market

Pitcher Michael King turned down his 28 million dollar option to take a 5 million dollar buyout instead. The 31 year old right hander posted a 12-10 record and a 3.21 ERA across 32 starts this year.

Boston declined a 30 million dollar option on Sonny Gray, who turns 37 next week. Gray gets a 5 million dollar buyout paid in yearly installments. He tied for the major league lead with 18 wins this season while recording a 2.72 ERA.

World Series champion pitcher Dustin May also hit the market after declining a 20 million dollar option with Milwaukee. May chose a 500,000 dollar buyout after finishing the year 7-9 with a 4.70 ERA.

Position Changes And Options Across The League

Shortstop Bo Bichette chose to stick with his contract with the New York Mets. The 28 year old shifted mostly to third base in New York and hit .260 with 18 home runs and 78 RBI.

Tampa Bay declined options on pitcher Nick Martinez and outfielder Cedric Mullins. Martinez went 15-6 with a 3.10 ERA in 31 starts, while Mullins hit .205 with 15 homers and 21 stolen bases.

Minnesota declined options on first baseman Josh Bell and pitcher Joe Ryan, though Ryan remains under club control. The Athletics dropped options on Jeff McNeil and Jeffrey Springs, while Kansas City picked up an option on Tony Gonsolin but turned down Carlos Estevez.