"By non-tendering Jack Cust on Saturday, the A's are taking a risk that their offense, already lacking much power, will lose its top home run hitter of the past three years.

General manager Billy Beane said that Oakland will continue to talk to Cust about a possible deal, with the threat of arbitration no longer looming.

"It's not out of the question," Beane said.

Cust said by phone Saturday evening that the dialogue will stay open with the A's but he's also looking forward to exploring his options in free agency.

"I told Billy, 'I'm going to be 31 years old, I've got to see what's out there,' " Cust said. "I have to do what's best for my family. I spent a lot of years riding the bus, not making any money. But Oakland was the team that gave me an opportunity, and I'm very grateful for that."

Cust made $2.8 million last year and after 25 homers, 70 RBIs and a team-high 88 runs, he might have made upward of $4 million in arbitration. His agent, Bobby Barad, expects that there will be interest elsewhere, given the fact that Cust has averaged more than 100 walks per year - and he has hit 25 or more homers in each of the past three seasons in a ballpark that is not hitter-friendly.

"I'm hoping someone with a small ballpark calls," Cust said with a laugh. "Playing three years in Oakland isn't the best for your numbers."

Cust led the league in strikeouts three years in a row, including an AL-record 197 in 2008. He also provided a big plus: Cust remained healthy through a stretch in which Oakland set records for using the disabled list.

"One thing about Jack is that he hits home runs, he draws walks and he plays," Beane said. "He's never hurt."

Cust's reputation as a poor defensive outfielder probably will give many National League teams pause, along with some in the AL."