After failing to come to an agreement on a two-year contract, the Rockies declined catcher Yorvit Torrealba’s 2010 option Friday, making him a free agent. The reasons were financial, not personal, so there remains a decent shot Torrealba could return if he doesn’t find what he wants on the open market.
“He would love to go back, and we have agreed to stay in touch,” agent Melvin Roman told The Denver Post. “The way we left it, there’s still a chance of that happening.”
The Rockies held a $4 million option for next season but chose to exercise a $500,000 buyout. The team discussed a multiyear deal with Roman as a way of decreasing Torrealba’s salary next season. They have had similar talks with top setup man Rafael Betancourt, who has a $5 million option that must be picked up by next Sunday.
In 2007, Torrealba became a free agent, and after the Mets backed out of a three-year deal, he returned to the Rockies. A similar scenario could play out this time.
If Torrealba doesn’t return, the club has depth with Chris Iannetta and Paul Phillips. The club is expected to designate Phillips for assignment to clear a 40-man roster spot this week and then re-sign him to a minor-league deal.
Torrealba took over the starting job at midseason and became the club’s top hitter with runners in scoring position. He batted .291 with two homers in 213 at-bats and helped tutor Latino players such as Franklin Morales and Carlos Gonzalez.
Reliever Alan Embree joined Torrealba in filing for free agency after the club declined his $3 million option, paying a $250,000 buyout.
Troy E. Renck: 303-954-1301 or trenck@denverpost.com
