Out with the Old

[Akira]

Despite completing one of it's best seasons ever the Akira faced tough decisions on a few of it's most tenured players this off-season. Team options were due on 2B B.J. Gassaway, catcher Héctor Rodríguez, closer Júlio González and OF Sean Peters.

Gassaway was the first to be notified that his contract was to be voided. B.J. struggled mightily for several years after signing a 6 yr extension before a bounce back 2031 season. Performing adequately but not spectacularly in '32 made the move inevitable considering his salary and declining production.

Rodriguez was next and seemed to be resigned to his fate. Eight PEBA seasons saw an outstanding glove and occasional pop at the plate but his sub .200 BA the last four seasons had Neo-Tokyo looking for other options.

A tougher decision was beloved closer González who averaged 38 saves per season in his time in Tokyo. His willingness to take a lower salary to stay couldn't change the outcome.

Sean Peters was another matter. It would take a lot for the organization to keep the highest paid player on the payroll but an outstanding '32 campaign (37 HR/108 RBI) convinced the front office he was worth another season. His option year was picked up for the upcoming season.

In all nearly $24 million was cleared from the books by these voided contracts with another $17 million freed by Naomi Honma's opting for free agency. Combined with an increased budget NeTo may be be able to dip their toes in the free agent market.