Royals Pass on Options of Bannister and Wilson

The Kansas City Royals said Thursday that they will not pick up the options of pitcher Floyd Bannister and center fielder Willie Wilson for next season.

General Manager John Schuerholz said he is interested in negotiating new contracts with both players, but Bannister and Wilson can declare themselves free agents after the World Series.

Wilson was one of three players who signed so-called lifetime contracts with the Royals. Wilson and reliever Dan Quisenberry, who was released last year, signed in 1985 and George Brett signed in 1984.

Wilson’s four-year contract has options through 1994 and also includes provisions for real estate investments with Royals co-owner Avron Fogelman that would yield payments past his playing days.

Wilson, 34, was a .292 career hitter going into the season, but slumped to .253 after batting .262 last season. He stole 24 bases.

The switch-hitting Wilson began the season batting leadoff, but walked just 27 times and was moved to second in the order behind Kevin Seitzer.

Bannister went on the disabled list June 15 with a torn rotator cuff and is in a rehabilitation program after undergoing surgery June 28.

Bannister, a left-hander, was 4-1 with a 4.66 earned-run average before the injury.