Moustakas declines $15M option with Brewers, becomes free agent
Mike Moustakas has elected to test free agency once again, declining the $15-million mutual option on his contract, according to a release from the Milwaukee Brewers.
After rejecting a one-year, $17.4-million qualifying offer last winter, Moustakas was forced to settle for a one-year deal with a mutual option for a second year with the Kansas City Royals. The third baseman was guaranteed $5.5 million in the first year, with a $1-million buyout if the team declined the $15-million option for 2019. By opting out, Moustakas seems to be foregoing that figure.
Moustakas, 30, played 152 games between the Royals and Brewers this season, posting a .251/.315/.459 slash line with 28 home runs and four stolen bases.
Right-handed reliever Joakim Soria rejected his $10-million option, also apparently forgoing a $1-million buyout. The 34-year-old authored a 3.12 ERA and 2.44 FIP over 66 relief appearances last season, recording 16 saves in 60 2/3 innings.
Moustakas would not have been eligible to receive another qualifying offer this offseason due in part to being tendered one previously. Soria is also unable to be qualified as he was traded midseason from the Chicago White Sox.
(Contract figures courtesy: Spotrac)