Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Royals outrighted Jamey Carroll off their 40-man roster, and the veteran infielder rejected the outright assignment, thereby becoming a free agent (Twitter link). In doing so, the Royals have effectively declined their $2MM club option on Carroll, meaning that he will instead receive a $250K buyout.
Carroll, who turns 40 in February, was acquired in exchange for cash considerations in an August trade with the Twins. The veteran utilityman collected just four hits in 36 at-bats for Kansas City down the stretch, bringing him to an even 1,000 for his career.
Carroll originally signed a two-year, $6.75MM contract with the Twins that contained a $2MM club option for 2014. Had he reached 401 plate appearances in 2013, that option would have become a player option. However, Carroll was unable to replicate his respectable 2012 numbes this season. After slashing .268/.343/.317 in 537 plate appearances and playing solid defense at shortstop, second and third for the Twins in 2012, he hit just .211/.265/.251 in 249 PAs between Minnesota and Kansas City this season.
