Boston Red Sox All-Star Declines Mutual Option, Becomes A Free Agent

Kyle Schwarber has declined his $11.5 million option and officially will hit the open market as a free agent. It's also important to note that the Red Sox cannot send him a qualifying offer because he was acquired via trade from the Washington Nationals.

Given the fact that Schwarber is coming off of a fantastic bounce-back season, it makes sense that he will be looking for a nice raise. Just because he rejected his half of the mutual option does not automatically mean a reunion with the Red Sox is off the table, though. Still, there will be plenty of teams looking to bring in the 28-year-old.

In 113 games this season between the Nationals and Red Sox, Schwarber had 32 home runs, 71 RBIs and a .266 batting average. Along with that, he also was named an All-Star for the first time in his seven-year career.

Schwarber also showed after being traded to the Red Sox that he not only can play outfield, but also first base. Furthermore, teams in need of a DH also could give the power-hitting lefty a chance.