Joc Pederson, Kyle Schwarber among 10 MLB players to become free agents

NEW YORK -- Atlanta outfielder Joc Pederson and Boston infielder-outfielder Kyle Schwarber were among 10 players who became free agents Thursday when they both declined 2022 mutual options in their contracts.

Pederson agreed with the Cubs in February to a $7 million, one-year contract that included a $4.5 million salary and a $10 million mutual option with a $2.5 million buyout. He was traded to Atlanta in July and helped the Braves win their first World Series title since 1995.

Pederson had two homers and five RBIs in the National League Division Series against Milwaukee and one homer and four RBIs in the NL Championship Series against the Dodgers, then went 1-for-15 in the World Series against Houston.

Schwarber agreed to a $10 million, one-year contract with Washington in January that included a $7 million salary and an $11.5 million mutual option with a $3 million buyout. He was traded to the Red Sox in July.

Outfielder Kole Calhoun's $9 million option was declined by Arizona, triggering a $2 million buyout and completing a $16 million, two-year contract.

Mets outfielder Kevin Pillar became a free agent after he and New York both declined options. His deal called for a $3.6 million salary this year and included a $2.9 million player option and a $6.4 million club option with a $1.4 million buyout.

Milwaukee outfielderAvisail Garciadeclined his part of a mutual option. His deal guaranteed $18 million in salary and included a $12 million mutual option with a $2 million buyout, but only if exercised by the player and declined by the club.

Cincinnati outfielder Nick Castellanos became a free agent after exercising his right to opt out of the last two years of his $68 million, four-year contract.

Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner and reliever Darren O'Day declined mutual options, as did New York.

Oakland left-hander Andrew Chafin's $5.25 million mutual option was exercised by the team and declined by the player, triggering a $500,000 buyout.

Philadelphia outfielder Andrew McCutchen, signed as a free agent to a $50 million, three-year contract in December 2018, gets a $3 million buyout instead of a $15 million salary.

There have been 170 players who became free agents following the World Series, and about 40 players await decisions on options by Sunday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.