Greetings, is there a way to predict whether a player will decline his option and become a free agent? Is it influenced by whether they are underpaid? I've got a couple studs who can opt out who I hope don't and a couple of busts I hope do opt out to save me the buyout. Any logic/influence based on age or one of their rating metrics?

Thanks for the advice!

I believe that it works the same way as someone on a normal expiring contract...and if that is the case, the thing to look at is the Patience rating. If you either link the players or pass along their patience rating, it would be easier to make an educated guess about what they'll do re: Free Agency.

Their overall rating / Type A/B status also seems to have an influence.

So far I have noticed that players tend to opt out if my team has been near the bottom of the standings and more likely stayed when my team had made the playoffs the previous season.

My near sure-fire way to get guys to decline their option:

- Waive after transaction deadline
- Let them clear waivers (if they’re claimed, great, job done)
- After regular season is over (or I’m eliminated from playoffs), demote to RL
- Remove them from 40 man

Almost a guaranteed decline

Thanks...I'm actually hoping the opposite, that a couple guys don't opt-out, especially my stud pitcher who will earn $10mm if he doesn't opt out but will get much more as a free agent...

Player Profile: Jenrry Urias - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

or, to a slightly lesser degree, also hoping this guy doesn't opt out...

Player Profile: Irv Anderson - Hardball Dynasty Baseball | WhatIfSports

"Hope for the best; plan for the worst."

Yeah that’s about it. Hope but have a plan b.