Marc Carig of the Newark Star Ledger reports that the Yankees have declined their 2011 options on Lance Berkman, Kerry Wood, and Nick Johnson, all of which were expected moves.
Berkman’s contract included a $15 million team option or $2 million buyout for 2011, but as part of his accepting a trade to the Yankees it was changed to a mutual option. New York made it a moot point by declining their end after he hit just .255/.358/.349 in 37 games after the trade.
Wood’s deal contained an $11 million option for 2011, but with no buyout required that was a no-brainer to decline.
Johnson had a $5.25 million mutual option for 2011, which is actually slightly less than he earned this season, but the Yankees chose a $250,000 buyout after the oft-injured first baseman missed nearly the entire season following wrist surgery.