Question - I have a player with 3 years still on his contract. I would like to get out of the contract. He is in AAA, and I want to remove him from the 40-man. He is choosing to become a free agent instead of being demoted. My question is, if I release him and nobody else signs him, am I still obligated to pay him for the length of his present contract? Or since he chose to become a free agent, does that nullify his current contract? Thanks.

You still own him. Also, if you waive him and he's claimed, you're off the hook. If you release him, you'll owe his entire contract except $327k prorated.