In a trio of expected moves the Pirates have declined their 2012 options on left-hander Paul Maholm, catcher Chris Snyder, and catcher/outfielder Ryan Doumit.
Maholm was due $9.75 million and has failed to develop into more than a solid middle-of-the-rotation starter at age 29, so Pittsburgh will instead give him a $750,000 buyout.
Snyder was due $6.75 million, but missing the final three-and-half months of the season following back surgery made choosing a $750,000 buyout a no-brainer move for the Pirates.
Doumit’s deal had 2012 and 2013 options totaling $15.5 million, compared to a $500,000 buyout. Pittsburgh tried to unload his contract during spring training and he played just 77 games this season, but hit well when healthy with a .303 batting average and .830 OPS in 77 games.
Maholm should be able to find a multi-year contract on the open market, but Snyder will likely have to settle for a one-year deal to prove that he’s healthy and still capable of being a starting catcher. Doumit’s defense behind the plate may keep him from landing a full-time catching job, but he could interest AL teams as a catcher/outfielder/designated hitter.
