Club option意思

"Club option" is a term used in professional sports, particularly in baseball, to describe a clause in a player's contract that gives the team the option to extend the contract for an additional year or years. This option is typically exercised at the end of the season, and the terms of the option can vary from a guaranteed salary to a buyout if the team chooses not to exercise the option.

In essence, the club option gives the team control over whether the player remains with the team for an additional season beyond the initial contract term, without having to negotiate a new deal with the player. If the team exercises the option, the player will continue to play for the team and receive the salary specified in the option year of the contract. If the team declines the option, the player becomes a free agent and can sign with any team.

Club options are often used as a way for teams to retain players at a potentially lower cost than they would command on the open market, as the option price is often set below market value. They also provide teams with flexibility in their payroll planning, as they can choose to keep a player for an additional year if they believe the player will continue to perform at a high level and be worth the salary specified in the option.