Cook a free agent after option declined

The Colorado Rockies have declined their $11,125,000 mutual option for next season on right-hander Aaron Cook, the franchise's career leader in wins.

Cook had a rough season in the final year of his contract, going 3-10 with a 6.03 ERA. The sinkerball specialist was bothered by shoulder stiffness in spring training and then he broke his right index finger when he slammed it in a door, forcing him to miss the first two months of the season.

The 32-year-old Cook, who's the team's career leader in wins (72), innings pitched (1,312 1-3) and starts (206), could be brought back at a reduced price.

Cook had a player option, but the Rockies then had the chance to decline it and pay a $500,000 buyout.