The Dodgers announced this evening that they have declined 2014 options on second baseman Mark Ellis and left-hander Chris Capuano.
Ellis received a $1 million buyout in lieu of his $5.75 million club option. The 36-year-old batted .270/.323/.351 with six home runs and 48 RBI over 126 games this season. The decision doesn’t come as a big surprise after the Dodgers signed Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero to a four-year, $28 million contract earlier this month, but it’s possible that Ellis could return in a lesser role if he is unable to find a starting gig elsewhere.
Capuano’s contract had an $6 million mutual option, so the Dodgers bought out their side for $1 million. The 35-year-old left-hander is coming off a 4.26 ERA and 81/24 K/BB ratio over 105 2/3 innings this season. While he bounced back and forth from the rotation to the bullpen in 2013, he’ll undoubtedly look for an opportunity to start now that he’s on the open market.
