The Phillies announced that they declined the contract options for Ty Wigginton and Jose Contreras. Both players obtain $500K buyouts and become free agents.
Contreras, 40, spent most of the 2012 season on the disabled list. He didn't pitch after June 2nd, when the Phillies placed him on the DL with a torn elbow ligament. His option was worth $2.5MM.
Wigginton appeared in 125 games this past season, playing first base, third base and left field. The 35-year-old posted a .235/.314/.375 batting line with 11 home runs in 360 plate appearances. Wigginton's two-year, $8MM contract with the Phillies included a $4MM team option for 2013.
The Phillies exercised the option of catcher Carlos Ruiz earlier today. They have two more days to decide whether to exercise Placido Polanco's option. GM Ruben Amaro Jr. is expected to decline.
And the world is right again
If the Red Sox are serious about going with role players vs. big contracts, Wigginton could be a decent pickup, especially since they’re looking for a corner infielder, LF, and could use a RH bat with (some) pop.
3-4 years ago would have been in agreement, but the last couple of years all he has amounted to is another Billy Hall.. As in never was good with pitch selection and his defense at any of the positions he can play was never worth much anyway, but that power has been dropping like a rock.. he really isn’t worth much any longer..
Have said this seemingly a million times over the years.. Boston should have signed Willie Bloomquist ANY of the times he was available as a FA.. His defense isn’t the best in the OF, but is passable in the IF and he can run some and play small ball quite well/slap the ball around.
Instead they have gone the route of useless people like Billy Hall and Nick Punto.. Case Closed..
I think Yankees sign Wigginton to a 5 year, $80 million dollar contract. He provides versatility in a number of positions, he can spell A-Rod better than Chavez can, and he is Ty Wigginton. He does what he wants.