Tigers Decline Option on Jhonny Peralta

With the 2010 season now officially in our rear view mirror, it’s time for the business of baseball to take shape. The Tigers wrapped up stage one of their offseason plans earlier with the extension of Brandon Inge‘s contract and now have moved to phase two: Jhonny Peralta.

The Tigers announced today that they have officially declined the $7.25 million club option on Peralta, opting instead to pay him a $250,000 buyout. This move make Peralta a free agent, but the Tigers remain optimistic that they will ink him to a new contract.

Detroit plans to have Peralta back as their starting shortstop next season after a pretty good trial run there at the end of this season. The two sides have been in negotiations regarding a new contract, one that would presumably guarantee Peralta a two year commitment. Word is that Inge’s $two-year, $11.5 million deal would be a good model, but Peralta would likely wind up making a slightly small er amount.

The Tigers hold exclusive negotiating rights until Saturday, at which time Peralta is free to sign elsewhere.