Twins decline club option on Jared Burton

The Twins have declined their $3.6 million option on reliever Jared Burton, according to an announcement from director of communications Dustin Morse. The team will instead pay Burton a $200K buyout, and he will hit free agency after the World Series.

According to Darren Wolfson of 1500ESPN.com, the Twins have not expressed interest in retaining Burton at a lower price, meaning that he will likely head to a new team after spending three seasons with the team.

Burton had one of the worst seasons of his career in 2014, posting a 3-5 record and 4.36 ERA in 68 appearances. The 33-year old was much better in his first two seasons in Minnesota, posting a 2.18 ERA in 2012 and a 3.82 mark in 2013.

In 367 relief appearances over eight seasons with the Reds (2007-2011) and Twins (2012-2014), Burton is the owner of a lifetime 18-19 record and 3.44 ERA. He is likely to draw interest on the free agent market as a right-handed middle relief option, joining names like Burke Badenhop, Joba Chamberlain, Luke Hochevar and Pat Neshek.