The free agent bullpen market gained an intriguing name on Friday when lefty Mike Minor declined his half of a $10 million mutual option with the Kansas City Royals.
Minor, 29, pitched in the major leagues for the first time since the 2014 season posting a 2.55 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 10.2 K/9 in 77.2 innings for the Royals.
The former Brave struck out 88 batters, walked 22 and allowed only 57 hits.
Miami Marlins decided to decline the $2 million option on outfielder Ichiro Suzuki. The future Hall of Famer hit .255/.318/.322 with six home runs, three home runs and 20 RBI in 136 games during the 2017 season.
Recently turned 44-year-old Ichiro intends to play again in 2018 after making $2 million this past season.
Washington Nationals catcher Matt Wieters is expected to exercise his $10.5 million player option for the 2018 season.
Wieters, 31, was one of the first players in the majors this past season. He hit .225/.288/.344 with 20 doubles, 10 home runs and 52 RBI over 465 plate appearances in his first year with the Nats.
Other News and Notes
The Marlins claimed catcher Chad Wallach off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds.
Yankees starter Masahiro Tanaka decided not to opt-out of the remainder of his three-year deal.
The Orioles declined options on left-handed starter Wade Miley and shortstop J.J. Hardy. Miley will receive a $500,000 buyout and Hardy will receive $2 million buyout.
Outfielder Michael Brantley and pitcher Josh Tomlin each had their options exercised by the Cleveland Indians.
The Pittsburgh Pirates picked up the 2018 option worth $14.5 million on Andrew McCutcheon. They declined their options on lefty starter Wade LeBlanc and catcher Chris Stewart.
Hard-throwing lefty Randy Rosario was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Cubs. The 23-year-old was placed on waivers by the Minnesota Twins.
