Dodgers Decline Three Team Options

Earlier today, the Dodgers offered qualifying offers to Zack Greinke, Brett Anderson and Howie Kendrick. The last decisions they really had to make before free agency begins tonight was in regards to their three team options.

Those team options were for Bronson Arroyo (one year/$11 million), Chase Utley (one year/$15 million) and Joel Peralta (one year/$2.5 million)*. Their decision to decline Arroyo and Utley were no-brainers, but declining Peralta was slightly more surprising. Not that I’m an advocate for Peralta being back in the bullpen, but he pitched well after returning from the DL last year and the monetary cost is so small.

Either way, all three of those players are now free agents. Arroyo hasn’t pitched since June 2014 and was acquired as a cash dump in the deadline deal for Alex Wood and Jose Peraza (and others). The Braves are picking up the tab on his buyout, which is $4.5 million.

May 13, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Bronson Arroyo celebrates following his complete game victory over the Washington Nationals at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks defeated the Nationals 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Utley was pretty mediocre in his couple months as a Dodger. He played third base better than anyone could have seen, but was hardly a suitable replacement for Howie Kendrick while he was hurt. His slide in game two of the NLDS will likely be his lasting memory as a Dodger, and his buyout is $2 million, and the Phillies will be picking up that tab.

Peralta struggled to stay healthy, but was lights out in September/October, allowing a .129/.129/.323 slashline and striking out 11 batters with no walks in 31 plate appearances. He’ll be 40 in March, but if he’s healthy he can still be a semi-decent bullpen option.

It’ll be interesting to see where these three go in free agency. Arroyo could probably get a solid one-year deal elsewhere if/when he shows he is healthy. Mets fans were chanting “We Want Utley”, so maybe he takes over David Murphy‘s potential vacancy there? Peralta should be worth a flier for any team needing a low cost half decent reliever or some #veteranpresents.

*all figures were taken from Baseball Reference

Next: Dodgers Extend Three Qualifying Offers