Winter Meetings rundown: Extension candidate Jakob Marsee, Sandy Alcantara likely staying and more

ORLANDO, FL—Day 2 of the Winter Meetings is underway in Central Florida. While Kyle Schwarber and Edwin Díaz have received much of the attention, the Marlins are quietly conducting business as well. Here is what Kevin Barral and I are hearing:

Free Agency

According to industry sources, free-agent reliever Pete Fairbanks is expected to command more than the $11 million option the Tampa Bay Rays declined last month. That price point, sources say, likely takes the Marlins out of the running. Fish On First initially reported the club’s interest in the 31-year-old closer, who overlapped with president of baseball operations Peter Bendix while they were both with the Rays. 

Another name Miami remains interested in is submariner Tyler Rogers, though he is believed to be seeking a multi-year deal. Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald previously linked the Fish to Rogers.

Trade Market

The Marlins front office continues to hold longtime ace Sandy Alcantara in extremely high regard. The team will not trade its longest-tenured player unless it receives an overwhelming offer, and even then, ownership would have to be persuaded to finalize a deal. All indications are that the Dominican flamethrower, who recently accepted an invitation to pitch for his country in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, is lined up to take the ball on Opening Day, now set for March 27 at 7:10 p.m.

Starters Ryan Weathers and Edward Cabrera continue to draw strong interest on the trade market, sources tell Fish On First. While not impossible, it's deemed highly unlikely that Miami would trade both starters. The one player on the 40-man roster who the Marlins will not entertain offers for is Eury Pérez.

Extensions

According to a source, there is mutual interest in a potential extension for Jakob Marsee. While Fish On First has confirmed that no formal offer has been made, discussions have taken place, and the two sides are expected to meet in the weeks following the Winter Meetings.

In 55 games as a rookie, Marsee slashed .292/.363/.478 with five home runs and 14 stolen bases. He was the Marlins' most valuable player during that span with 2.2 fWAR.

Poached coaches! 

As reported Monday afternoon, Alon Leichman—who served as Miami’s assistant pitching coach in 2025—has been hired by the Colorado Rockies as their head pitching coach. Leichman is the fourth member of last season's coaching staff to earn an elevated role with another organization, a trend that speaks highly of Miami’s ability to identify coaching talent.

The Marlins are now searching for Leichman’s replacement. Peter Bendix, general manager Gabe Kapler, manager Clayton McCullough, director of pitching Bill Hezel, and pitching coach Daniel Moskos are all heavily involved in the hiring process, sources tell Fish On First.

The Marlins have hired Blake Butler to be their new infield coach, sources told Fish On First on Monday. Butler replaces Tyler Smarslok, who previously held the position for Miami before joining the Washington Nationals.