The Giants declined Nori Aoki’s $5.5 million option, turning the outfielder into a free agent.
General manager Bobby Evans said Wednesday night the Giants will consider many roster options and didn’t need to pinpoint a left fielder this early in the offseason.
Evans isn’t ruling out re-signing Aoki later in the offseason. Aoki, who gets a $700,000 buyout, has been cleared of his concussion symptoms, said Evans.
However, first baseman Brandon Belt still hasn’t been cleared of concussion symptoms and will see a specialist this week.
With another outfielder, Marlon Byrd, falling short of plate appearances to have his $8 million option vested - and with the Giants officially declining it this week - it appears the team is taking steps toward clearing money to pursue a big-name free agent starting pitcher.