NEW YORK, Nov. 4 (UPI) -- To no one's surprise, the New York Yankees have declined the 2004 contract extension on veteran lefthander David Wells.
The move makes the veteran southpaw a free agent.
Wells, who made headlines out of the gate in 2003 with a book in which teammates were criticize and detailing some of his off-the-field escapades, went 15-7 with a 4.14 ERA in 2003. He would have received $6 million next season had the Yankees exercised the option, but instead will get a $1 million buyout
He had filed for free agency last week in case this happened.
"We won't bring him back under current circumstances," said General Manager Brian Cashman. "But that doesn't preclude us from bringing him back under other circumstances."
Wells signed a two-year deal with the Yankees before the 2002 season for a guaranteed $6 million. He earned about $4 million more in incentive clauses.
In two seasons, he went 34-14 with an ERA of 3.95, making 61 starts and one relief appearance.
