Royals decline 2016 contract options on Rios, Guthrie
KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Royals have declined mutual options on right fielder Alex Rios and starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie, beginning the reshaping of their team one day after celebrating their World Series triumph with a downtown parade.
Other decisions loom Wednesday: All-Star reliever Wade Davis, All-Star shortstop Alcides Escobar and outfielder Jonny Gomes have club options, while Alex Gordon has a player option worth $13.75 million after the All-Star outfielder achieved a series of escalators.
The 34-year-old Rios had a $12.5 million option with a $1.5 million buyout, while the 36-year-old Guthrie had a $10 million option with a $3.2 million buyout.
Both moves had been expected. Rios struggled much of the season, though he contributed a few key hits in the World Series. Guthrie was left off every postseason roster.
