The Washington Nationals announced Thursday afternoon they exercised the option of center fielder Denard Span, the option is worth $9 million. This will be Span’s final year under contract, making him a costless agent after the upcoming season.
Span is 30-years-old and is coming off a spectacular season. In 147 games, Span slashed .302/.355/.416 while racking up a career high in hits with 184, which led the National League. Span also had a career high in stolen bases with 31. Span finished in the top five in four offensive categories in the NL; runs, base hits, doubles, and stolen bases.
Shortly after the Span news the team announced they declined options on Rafael Soriano and Adam LaRoche. Washington declined the club option on Soriano, while ending a mutual option with LaRoche which features a $2 million buyout.
With Soriano’s struggles in the second half and being removed from the closers role, it didn’t come as a shock they didn’t pick up a $14 million option. It might not have mattered considering the large tab he was going to get.
It would have been nice if LaRoche’s option was picked up but with Ryan Zimmerman forcing his way to first base with his injuries and inability to man the hot corner it was a smart decision. The Nationals will be ridding themselves of $15 million with LaRoche, money they can use internally for extensions for their young players.