Marlins' Kyle Stowers Denies $100 Million Demand, Turns Down Extension Offer

Stowers says his focus is on making the playoffs, not contract negotiations.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Miami Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers has denied reports that he made a $100 million contract demand, stating that his goal is to make the playoffs with the team rather than focus on extension talks. Stowers is currently on a one-year, $768,200 deal and can become arbitration-eligible in 2027, with the Marlins owning his rights until at least 2029.

Why it matters

The Marlins are in a rebuilding phase and need to lock up their young talent like Stowers long-term if they want to compete in the NL East against powerhouses like the Braves, Phillies, and Mets. Stowers' comments suggest he's focused on winning rather than maximizing his next contract, which could be a positive sign for the Marlins.

The details

Stowers was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 and was traded to the Marlins last season. He has stated that he loves the Marlins organization and wants to stay, but his priority is helping the team make the playoffs, not negotiating a massive contract extension. There were previous reports that Stowers and the Marlins were $50 million apart in extension talks, but Stowers has now denied those claims.

  • Stowers is currently on a one-year, $768,200 deal with the Marlins.
  • Stowers can become arbitration-eligible when the 2027 season rolls around.
  • The Marlins own the rights to Stowers until at least the end of the 2029 season.

The players

Kyle Stowers

A young outfielder for the Miami Marlins who was originally drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in 2019 before being traded to the Marlins last season.

Miami Marlins

A Major League Baseball team based in Miami, Florida that is currently in a rebuilding phase as they try to compete in the NL East division.

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What they’re saying

“I loved the organization, and I wanted to stay here. Ultimately, the goal is to make the playoffs, and that's the main thing on my mind.”

— Kyle Stowers, Marlins Outfielder (clutchpoints.com)

What’s next

If the Marlins cannot extend Stowers by the end of the 2029 season, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

The takeaway

Stowers' focus on winning rather than maximizing his next contract is a positive sign for the Marlins as they try to build a contender in the NL East. The team will need to lock up their young talent like Stowers long-term if they want to compete with the division's powerhouses.