The Philadelphia Phillies have exercised Carlos Ruiz's $5-million option and declined 2013 options on third baseman Placido Polanco, corner infielder Ty Wigginton and right-handed relief pitcher Jose Contreras.
The 33-year-old Ruiz hit .325/.394/.540 with 16 home runs in 421 plate appearances for the Phillies this season while making $3.7 million.
Polanco, who made $6.25 million in 2012 in the final year of a three-year deal, will receive a $1-million buyout of his $5.5-million option. The 37-year-old hit .257/.302/.327 with two home runs in 328 plate appearances this season.
While Chase Utley received some work at third base in non-game situtations this year, the team is expected to keep him at second base at this time. If the Phillies don't pursue a third baseman in free agency or in the trade market, Freddy Galvis and Kevin Fransden could compete to start.
The 35-year-old Wigginton, who made $4 million this season in the final year of a two-year deal, will receive a $500,000 buyout of his $4-million option. He hit .235/.314/.375 with 11 home runs in 360 plate appearances this season.
Contreras pitched in 17 games for the Phillies this season, going 1-0 with a 5.27 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 15 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings. The 40-year-old will receive a $500,000 buyout of his $2.5-million option.
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