MLB News: Just a few days into the official start of the off-season the National League Central has seen three significant players either decline their 2024 contract options or have their team decline a club option. The teams impacted are the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago Cubs, and Cincinnati Reds.
Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher Wade Miley declines his half of a mutual option (MLB News).
During his age 36 season Wade Miley put together a solid 2023 campaign that consisted of 23 starts, 120 innings pitched, and a 3.14 ERA. An elbow issue did cause him to miss a few starts, but overall the veteran did a good job of staying on the field. Health has been a concern for him in seasons past, but since 2021 he has managed a 3.26 ERA over 59 games started with the Brewers, Reds, and Cubs.
Between his current age, his overall impressive season, and his 2024 option being $10.00 MM it made sense for him to take the $1.00 MM buyout from the Brewers and to test free agency. This should result in him getting a pay increase as well as another multi year deal.
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Marcus Stroman opts out of his contract (MLB News).
Marcus Stroman previously signed a three year, $71.00 MM deal with the Chicago Cubs. He made an average annual value of $25.00 MM during the first two years and was given the ability to opt out after the 2023 season. By opting out he is forgoing the remaining $21.00 MM and will now seek out a new contract.
2023 was strange year for Marcus Stroman. He was a Cy Young contender during the first half when he pitched to a 2.96 ERA. Unfortunately injury and second half struggles inflated his ERA the remainder of the year and he finished with a 3.95 ERA over 25 starts and 27 games. Spotrac has his market value estimated at $15.6 MM, so it will be interesting to see what kind of deal he signs this winter.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has his club option declined (MLB News).
Joey Votto has spent his entire career with the Cincinnati Reds. He has been an impact player in their lineup since he finished second in rookie of the year voting in 2008. Following that he won the MVP award one time but received votes in nine total seasons while also being elected to six All-Star games.
A few factors went into Joey Votto having his 2024 club option declined. The first being that the Reds could not commit to the playing time that he wants going forward. This is due to the ball club having players like Spencer Steer and Christian Encarnacion-Strand emerging at first base. Secondly his option was worth $20.00 MM. With his option being declined he did receive a $7.00 MM buyout.
These are three big option decisions that will impact the National League Central in 2024. A Wade Miley reunion with the Brewers could be likely, but it is far less likely that Marcus Stroman or Joey Votto return to their prior teams.
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