Phillies make decisions on four 2013 options
The Philadelphia Phillies have exercised Carlos Ruiz's option and bought out contract options on Placido Polanco, Ty Wigginton and Jose Contreras.
The Philadelphia Phillies have exercised Carlos Ruiz's $5-million option and declined 2013 options on third baseman Placido Polanco, corner infielder Ty Wigginton and right-handed relief pitcher Jose Contreras.
The 33-year-old Ruiz hit .325/.394/.540 with 16 home runs in 421 plate appearances for the Phillies this season while making $3.7 million.
Polanco, who made $6.25 million in 2012 in the final year of a three-year deal, will receive a $1-million buyout of his $5.5-million option. The 37-year-old hit .257/.302/.327 with two home runs in 328 plate appearances this season.
While Chase Utley received some work at third base in non-game situtations this year, the team is expected to keep him at second base at this time. If the Phillies don't pursue a third baseman in free agency or in the trade market, Freddy Galvis and Kevin Fransden could compete to start.
The 35-year-old Wigginton, who made $4 million this season in the final year of a two-year deal, will receive a $500,000 buyout of his $4-million option. He hit .235/.314/.375 with 11 home runs in 360 plate appearances this season.
Contreras pitched in 17 games for the Phillies this season, going 1-0 with a 5.27 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. The 40-year-old will receive a $500,000 buyout of his $2.5-million option.
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