(AP) -- Kansas City Royals left-hander Aaron Laffey and Detroit Tigers second baseman Will Rhymes became free agents after their teams declined to offer 2012 contracts.
Clubs had until midnight EST on Monday to offer contracts to unsigned players on their 40-man rosters.
Failing to offer contracts is a way clubs can avoid going to salary arbitration with players who otherwise would be eligible.
Russell Martin was cut loose by the Los Angeles Dodgers at the deadline last year and wound up hitting 18 home runs as the New York Yankees' primary catcher.
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