The St. Louis Cardinals have elected to decline the 2022 options for both infielder Matt Carpenter and veteran pitcher Carlos Martinez, the Major League Baseball Players Association announced on Thursday.

Carpenter had an $18.5 million club option for the 2022 season. But as expected, the Cardinals have opted against triggering the option and thus, the veteran infielder now leaves the team with a $2.5 million buyout.

After being well renowned as one of the more formidable power-hitting infielders of the 2010s, Carpenter faced vast struggles at the plate over the past couple of seasons. The soon-to-be 36-year-old infielder hit .169 last season and was mainly called on to face right-handed pitchers, especially as he notched a .056 batting average in a mere 18 at-bats against left-handed pitchers over the regular season.

He also came away from last season with a career-low -1.1 bWAR. Due to his struggles, he was not called on as much by now-former Cardinals manager Mike Shildt to be an everyday player, especially as Nolan Arenado took hold of the third base position while Tommy Edman earned regular starts out at second base.

Martinez also had struggles of his own over the 2021 campaign. He notched a 6.23 ERA and a lowly 5.08 xFIP in 16 regular season starts.

The Cardinals had an opportunity to prevent Martinez from becoming a free agent by exercising his $17 million club option for the 2022 season but have decided against doing so. Thus, the veteran right-hander is now a free agent for the first time in 11 years.

It remains to be seen on what may be in store for these two longtime Cardinals talents. Carpenter did note in September that he has no plans to retire just yet. Meanwhile, Martinez may be more likely to garner free agent interest out of the gate, especially as he also has experience in being a durable reliever.