This story was excerpted from Christina De Nicola’s Marlins Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.
MIAMI -- While the postseason unfolds without them for a third straight year, the Marlins have begun looking inward to avoid missing out on October baseball in 2027.
Here are five questions Miami must answer this offseason:
1. What does the future hold for Sandy Alcantara?
It’s safe to assume the Marlins will exercise Alcantara’s $21 million team option for 2027 rather than buy it out for $2 million after a return to form in ‘26.
Alcantara set various franchise records and led the Majors in innings this season, proving to once again be a workhorse every fifth day (and sometimes in between to lock down saves!).
The team option would put a bow on the extension Alcantara signed prior to the 2022 season, when he would go on to become the first Cy Young winner in Marlins history.
President of baseball operations Peter Bendix doesn’t speculate on specific players, and that remained the case during last week’s end-of-season presser when asked whether the organization would consider signing Alcantara to a deal beyond 2027.
“With Sandy in particular, he is so meaningful to this organization,” Bendix said. “That’s not lost on me. That’s not lost on us. Another incredible season. Really, really fun to watch him pitch. His leadership in the clubhouse, the way he handles himself, the way he sets an example for the rest of the team -- it’s second to none, and it’s something that I know [manager] Clayton [McCullough] really appreciates [and] I really appreciate. We value it tremendously.”
2. Will the Marlins get any contract extensions done?
Last offseason, the organization held discussions with All-Star outfielder Kyle Stowers, among others, but couldn’t come to terms. This serves as a reminder that both parties not only need to show interest but also have to agree on the numbers.
The entire 40-man roster is under club control outside of Alcantara and impending free agent Pete Fairbanks, and everyone except setup man Anthony Bender has multiple years remaining. This means the Marlins don’t have to extend anyone.
Still, extensions are a way for smaller-market clubs to buy out arbitration-eligible and free-agency years in case a player outperforms a budget and is then more inclined to test the open market in the future.
Prime extension candidates would be catcher Joe Mack and right-hander Eury Pérez.
3. What will be some of the positions up for grabs?
With the departure of Fairbanks, the Marlins might prefer a more flexible bullpen strategy rather than manage around a set closer. The return of 2025 breakout reliever Ronny Henriquez will give the group another high-leverage option to mix and match with righties Michael Petersen, Calvin Faucher, Josh Ekness and Bender, who is expected to be ready for Spring Training.
Should Jakob Marsee’s left elbow require an extended absence (he was visiting Dr. Keith Meister this week), the center-field job would open up for internal options like Esteury Ruiz, Gold Glove-winning utility player Javier Sanoja and Marlins No. 5 prospect Cam Cannarella.
Assuming the starting-pitching depth heals per schedule, there should be numerous options to round out the rotation.
And then there are the corner-infield spots, which were revolving doors until Stowers and Sanoja took over most of the reps at first and third, respectively. Bendix said Stowers could see time at both first base and the outfield, where he was a 2025 Gold Glove finalist in left. Due to recurring hamstring trouble this season, Stowers’ long-term future might be better suited for first base. Sanoja’s second-half production turned him into one of the Majors’ top performers and could earn him an everyday role.
There could be other openings depending on moves made as the offseason progresses.
4. What’s the future of McCullough and the coaching staff?
Bendix announced that the Marlins and hitting coach Pedro Guerrero parted ways, making that the only change on the staff as of now. Last offseason, four members took promotions elsewhere.
The organization’s policy is to not comment on contract negotiations, and that goes for McCullough’s future past 2027. McCullough has 159 wins -- most for a Marlins skipper in his first two seasons.
“Clayton will be our manager for next year, and I'm very excited about that,” Bendix said. “I think Clayton showed a lot of growth and improvement in the way that a lot of people do in their second year, and Clayton and I are very aligned. Clayton is an excellent representative of the organization, and an excellent voice of the organization. He has helped establish a fantastic culture in our clubhouse. He's an excellent communicator. He's very, very good at a very difficult job, and I'm excited to continue to grow with him.”
5. Did the struggles of 2026 free-agent signings sour future deals?
By all accounts, the answer is no.
Putting money aside, there is one factor the Marlins will consider when it comes to their philosophy and activity on the free-agent market: Would the incoming player be better than those already on the 40-man roster or in the farm system? And can the player get the team over the hump from being good to very good?
After another year of progress on the Minor League and Major League fronts, the more experienced Marlins may believe now is the time to supplement the roster and realistically compete for the National League East crown.