The Phillies gave first baseman Ryan Howard a great sendoff on Fan Appreciation Day. While the Phillies could not outwardly say that Howard would not return; the team had to formally decline his contract option for 2017. Today, the day after the World Series the Phillies just did that.
The Phillies announced the move on Twitter:
#Phillies have declined the 2017 club options on Ryan Howard and Charlie Morton.
— Phillies (@Phillies) November 3, 2016
And with that both Howard and Charlie Morton are free agents.
The Phillies also announced that they reinstated pitchers Matt Harrison, Aaron Nola and Zach Eflin from the 60-day disabled list. The moves mean that all three are back on the Phillies 40-man roster. Nola and Eflin should be ready for the Spring; Harrison's status is unclear at this time. Harrison has yet to throw a pitch for the Phillies.
Free agents-to-be may begin filing for free agency today. Monday is the deadline for clubs to extend a qualifying offer to them. Teams have a five-day exclusive negotiating window until then.
