The option process in Major League Baseball (MLB) allows teams to add or remove players from their active rosters to their minor league teams. Because of this process, teams are able to control players’ contracts and roster sizes. The option process is complicated and can be confusing, so it’s important to understand how it works and how often a player can be optioned.
What is an Option?
An option is a one-way contract between an MLB team and a minor league player. When a team exercises an option, they are either adding the player to their major league roster or sending the player to the minor leagues. In the case of an option, the player has no say in the matter and must comply with the team’s decision.
Options can be used to add or remove a player from an active roster. When a team exercises an option, the player is sent down to the minor leagues for a specified amount of time. If the player is recalled before the option expires, the team will have to pay a fee to the minor league team for the player’s services.
Options can also be used to add a player to the active roster. In this case, the player is added to the team’s 40-man roster and is eligible to be called up to the major league roster at any time.
How Many Times Can a Player Be Optioned?
A player can be optioned an unlimited number of times in his career, however there are certain restrictions in place. For example, a player cannot be optioned more than three times in one season. This is in place to protect players from being overworked.
In addition, players cannot be optioned more than five times in a three-year period. This is in place to ensure that teams are not abusing the option process and using it to manipulate their rosters and contracts.
Conclusion
The option process is an important part of the MLB system and allows teams to add or remove players from their major and minor league rosters. While a player can be optioned an unlimited number of times, there are certain restrictions in place to protect players from being overworked or abused. Understanding the option process and the restrictions that come along with it is important for any baseball fan.