Friday marks the summer solstice of the offseason, with Game 7 of the World Series and the start of spring training in Arizona and Florida both just a week away. So far, only a few top free agents have signed, and there haven’t been many trades involving big names, suggesting an active few weeks ahead before spring training begins. Here’s a roundup of Friday’s Hot Stove rumors.
The Miami Marlins are eager to retain their star pitcher Sandy Alcantara, despite considerable trade interest around the deadline, according to the Miami Herald. It would take an exceptional offer for them to consider trading him. They’re also interested in re-signing right-handed pitcher Edward Cabrera, though the Astros and Orioles have stepped back after recent additions to their rotations, including Houston acquiring Mike Burrows and Baltimore signing Shane Buzz. Alcantara, 30, faced challenges in 2025 as he returned from Tommy John surgery but showed marked improvement in the season’s second half. Owed $17 million in 2026 with a $21 million club option in 2027, the Marlins see no rush to trade him. Additionally, the team recently signed closer Pete Fairbanks for one year at $13 million following news that their top reliever Ronnie Henriquez will miss 2026 due to UCL surgery. Despite this signing, their 2026 payroll projection is only slightly up from 2025.
The St. Louis Cardinals are on the lookout for a right-handed batter, preferably an outfielder, after trading Willson Contreras to the Red Sox, as revealed by POBO Chaim Bloom via MLB.com. Their outfield currently leans heavily left-handed with players like Lars Notevaal and Victor Scott II. Possible free-agent fits based on projected 2026 WAR include Harrison Bader (+1.5), Miguel Andujar (+1.2), Randall Grichuk (+0.6), Austin Hayes (+0.4), and Tommy Pham (+0.4). However, the options don’t excite much: Bader is too costly, Andujar is more suited to designated hitter roles, and Grichuk and Pham’s performances are declining. There’s a chance they might sign a different candidate who aligns better with the Cardinals’ goal of long-term stability over short-term gains. Besides Contreras, the Cardinals have also dealt Sonny Gray this offseason. Brendan Donovan could be moved, and Nolan Arenado’s diminished production and no-trade clause complicate potential trades. After finishing 78-84 in 2025, the Cardinals risk ending their long streak of winning seasons dating back to the late 1950s.
Fan Take: This offseason news highlights the careful balancing act teams must perform between managing payroll, maintaining talent, and building for the future. Retaining key players like Alcantara while searching for the right fits in free agency reflects broader baseball trends emphasizing strategic patience and long-term team development.
