Ryan exercises player option for 2016
NEW YORK -- Infielder Brendan Ryan has exercised his player option for the 2016 season, valued at $1 million, the Yankees announced on Tuesday.
Ryan, 33, batted .229 with 10 runs, six doubles, two triples and eight RBIs in 47 games for the Yanks this past season while appearing at five defensive positions, plus his first career pitching appearance on Aug. 25 against the Astros.
Having missed the first 58 games of the season due to a right calf strain, Ryan made 26 appearances at second base, 14 at third base, six at shortstop, three at first base and two in right field.
Ryan and the Yankees had a mutual option for 2016. Had the club exercised its option, he would have earned $2 million.
The Yanks also announced that they declined their 2016 option on right-hander Andrew Bailey. The 31-year-old, a two-time All-Star, was 0-1 with a 5.19 ERA in 10 relief appearances for New York as he completed his comeback from career-threatening injuries to his right shoulder labrum and capsule.
The option would have paid Bailey $2 million, but he remains under team control and is arbitration-eligible. If the Yankees choose to bring him back, they could sign him to a deal with a lower base salary with incentives.