SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- Bret Boone became a free agent today after the San Diego Padres announced they will not exercise the option on his contract for 2001.

Boone, a native of nearby El Cajon, California who collected $2.9 million last season, is free to sign with any major league club.

A former Gold Glove Award winner and member of the first third-generation major league family, Boone hit .251 with 19 home runs and 74 RBI in 127 games this past season for the last-place Padres.

Boone, who made a trip to the disabled list for the first time since 1996, set a single-season RBI record for San Diego second baseman.

The 31-year-old was acquired from Atlanta with first baseman Ryan Klesko for Reggie Sanders, Quilvio Veras and Wally Joyner prior to the 2000 season.

Boone began his career with Cincinnati, where he played with brother Aaron Boone. The two are the sons of former major league catcher Bob Boone and grandons of former major league infielder Ray Boone.

In nine major league seasons with San Diego, Atlanta, Cincinnati and Seattle, Bret Boone is a .255 hitter with 125 homers and 536 RBI in 1,072 games.

Boone, an All-Star in 1998, is best known for his defense. He tied a major league record for second baseman by leading the National League in fielding percentage for three straight seasons (1995-97).