Three Mariners Opt For Free Agency As List Rises To 30

Tim Belcher, Andy Benes and Vince Coleman of the Seattle Mariners were among 19 players who filed for free agency Tuesday, raising the total to 30.

They joined an ever-growing list that now includes pitching aces Jack McDowell of the Yankees, Jim Abbott of the Angels and Kenny Rogers of the Rangers.

Meanwhile, the Boston Red Sox declined to exercise a $4 million option for 1996 on reliever Rick Aguilera and decided instead to pay a $300,000 buyout. Aguilera then decided to file for free agency.

Other players who filed Tuesday were Florida outfielder Jerry Browne, Cincinnati infielder Mariano Duncan, Detroit second baseman Scott Fletcher, Kansas City pitcher Mark Gubicza, Milwaukee catcher Joe Oliver, Chicago Cubs catcher Mark Parent, St. Louis pitcher Jeff Parrett, California outfielder Tony Phillips, Cincinnati catcher Benito Santiago and Atlanta outfielder Dwight Smith.

Toronto must decide today whether to exercise a $4 million option on designated hitter Paul Molitor or pay a $1 million buyout, and Oakland must decide whether to exercise a $2.25 million option on reliever Dennis Eckersley.

The New York Yankees had until today to exercise a $1.8 million option on outfielder Darryl Strawberry. The Yankees reportedly asked Strawberry’s agent, Bill Goodstein, to push back the deadline, but were refused.