OAKLAND -- Rather than accept a Minor League assignment with the Marlins, veteran outfielder Jacque Jones will explore free agency.

Designated for assignment by Florida on June 11, Jones has since cleared waivers, and on Monday, the club outrighted him to Triple-A Albuquerque. But Jones had the right to decline the Minor League offer, and pursued other options.

On Friday, Jones' agent, Damon Lapa, said the 33-year-old has "elected to be a free agent."

The decision isn't surprising. After the Marlins released Jones on June 11, he sounded pessimistic about going to Florida's Minor League system. At the time, he said he had to clear his mind, and he noted that a young team like the Marlins would likely be leaning towards developing and promoting their prospects.

Jones had a short tenure with the Marlins. He signed a Minor League deal with Florida on May 19, six days after he was released by the Tigers.

Jones played 18 games for the Marlins, and he was 4-for-37 (.108) in limited action.

In Jones, the Marlins were obtaining a veteran left-handed-hitting outfielder who could platoon in center with Cody Ross.

Counting his time this season with the Tigers, Jones has appeared in 42 games and batting .147 (17-for-116) with two doubles, a triple, one home run and seven RBIs.

A San Diego native, Jones broke in with the Twins in 1999, and he has also played for the Cubs and Tigers before joining the Marlins.