Cubs decline Jason Hammel's 2017 option
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CHICAGO (AP) - The Chicago Cubs have declined Jason Hammel's option for the 2017 season, making the pitcher a free agent.
The World Series champions announced the move on Sunday. The option was worth $12 million, and Hammel gets a $2 million buyout.
The 34-year-old Hammel went 15-10 with a 3.83 ERA in 30 starts this year. The 6-foot-6 right-hander is 33-22 with a 3.59 ERA in 78 starts over two stints with the Cubs.
Hammel did not pitch in the playoffs. The Cubs got Mike Montgomery in a July trade with Seattle, and he likely will replace Hammel in the rotation.
Hammel first signed with the Cubs in February 2014. He went 8-5 with a 2.98 ERA in 17 starts before he was traded to Oakland in the deal that sent shortstop Addison Russell to Chicago.
He re-signed with Chicago for a $20 million, two-year contract in December 2014.