:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/43159564/20140925_jdm_bk2_084.jpg.0.jpg)
The Milwaukee Brewers have exercised their $13 million option on RHP Yovani Gallardo, according to Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com. The club also decided to decline their $11.5 million club option on 2B Rickie Weeks, according to an announcement from the team.
Gallardo signed a 5-year, $30.1 million contract with the Brewers in 2010. The deal also contained a $13 million club option for 2015, which will be the highest salary of Gallardo's career. Gallardo first broke in with the Brewers in 2007, and has been a mainstay in their rotation ever since. In 2014, Gallardo posted a 3.51 ERA, along with a career-best 2.53 BB/9 rate. 2014 was the sixth consecutive season in which Gallardo made at least 30 starts. For his career, Gallardo has posted a 3.69 ERA, and has been worth 18.8 Wins Above Replacement, according to Fangraphs.
The Brewers' decision to cut ties with Weeks was widely expected. Even though Weeks posted an .809 OPS in 2014, it was mainly as a platoon partner with Scooter Gennett. Weeks signed a 4-year, $38.5 million contract extension in 2011. The $11.5 million 2015 option vested with at least 600 PA's in 2014, or 1,200 PA's in 2013 and 2014. Weeks plate appearances came up well short, as he has been relegated to a role player for most of the last two seasons.
From 2007-2011, Weeks was one of the top second basemen in all of baseball. During those four years, Weeks posted an .805 OPS and was worth a 15.7 WAR, according to Fangraphs. Weeks will receive a $1 million buyout as he heads to free agency for the first time in his career.