Philadelphia Phillies Decline Options on McCutchen, Herrera
As expected, the Phillies have declined the 2022 options for center fielder Odubell Herrera and left fielder Andrew McCutchen. Herrera is still arbitration eligible, McCutchen is now a free agent.
The team had a $15 million option with a $3 million buyout on McCutchen and $11.5 million team option with a $2.5 million buyout on Herrera, who signed a five-year, $30.5 million extension with the Phillies back in 2017.
While the options were declined, the team still could negotiate with either player on a new contract. McCutchen may be an option at a much lower pricetag in perhaps a fourth- or platoon-outfielder role and the Phillies still have control over Herrera, who is still salary arbitration eligible.
When healthy, McCutchen supplied some right-handed pop, launching 27 home runs and 80 RBI in 2021.
Herrera, who missed the entire 2020 season and most of 2019 after a domestic abuse incident in Atlantic City, hit .260 with 59 runs scored, 13 home runs, 51 RBI and six stolen bases, while playing center field.
It will be interesting to see what the Phillies do with both of these players, its very hard to believe they bring them both back or seeing either of the starting in 2022.