Ryan Howard’s 15-year tenure with the Philadelphia Phillies officially ended Thursday when the team declined a $23 million option and the first baseman became a free agent.
The Phillies will instead pay Howard, who will be 37 later this month, a $10 million sum to buy out the 2017 option.
The team also declined a $9.5 million option on Charlie Morton, a right-handed starter who pitched in just four games for the Phillies before tearing a hamstring in April. Morton received a $1 million payment for his buyout.
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Five other Phillies (Jeremy Hellickson, David Hernandez, A.J. Ellis, Andres Blanco, and Peter Bourjos) became free agents Thursday and can sign with any team beginning Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. The removal of the seven free agents, in addition to the reinstatement of pitchers Aaron Nola, Zach Eflin, and Matt Harrison from the 60-day disabled list, put the Phillies’ 40-man roster at 31 players.
Philadelphia is expected to extend Hellickson a $17.2 million qualifying offer by Monday’s 5 p.m. deadline. Hellickson will probably decline that offer in order to pursue a long-term deal. The Phillies would then receive a compensatory drat pick between the first and second rounds if Hellickson signs elsewhere.
Even at 31 players, the Phillies may need to make further room to protect minor-league players eligible for the Rule 5 draft and for potential additions through free agency. Protection decisions must be made by Nov. 18.
Howard said he intends to play again in 2017.
MILWAUKEE, WI – APRIL 22: Ryan Howard #6 of the Philadelphia Phillies grounds out against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 22, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
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