If I understand it correctly, "Optioned" is not traded, it just means they are allowed to be sent directly to the minors. It means they are removed from the 26-man roster but remain on the 40-man roster.
ComposerMike wrote:
I hate to open more cans of worms, but what about the five option statement variations from 1959 Topps? There are subjects with and without the optioned line on reverse.
https://www.tcdb.com/ViewCard.cfm/sid/43/cid/8274?PageIndex=1
Someday my cards may double in value and then be worth half of what I paid for them.