He has long been viewed as the cornerstone of their franchise. But Phillies third baseman Scott Rolen told ESPN.com on Friday that he informed the club this week he wants to test free agency when he becomes eligible next winter.

Phillies general manager Ed Wade has repeatedly said signing Rolen to a long-term contract this winter was his team's top offseason priority. But Rolen said he stopped any negotiations before they began when he and his agents, Seth and Sam Levinson, met Tuesday with Wade and Phillies president David Montgomery. Rolen then reiterated his feelings in a private meeting Friday with Wade.

"I know they were going to make me an offer," Rolen said. "I know they were going to make a considerable offer. I'm thankful for that. I'm appreciative of that. But the bottom line is that I'm not accepting or rejecting a deal. I'm just not negotiating. Basically, I'm turning down the opportunity to negotiate."

Although Rolen and his agents say no formal offer was ever made, Wade told ESPN.com on Friday night that the Phillies informed Rolen in spring training they were "willing" to offer a seven-year guaranteed contract with an average value of $14 million a year. Three option years, Wade said, could have brought the total to $140 million over 10 years.

"He never said he was unwilling to consider signing with us," Wade said. "But he was unequivocal that he would not negotiate a long-term deal at this time and he would file for free agency at the end of next year.

"I am disappointed because I really believe we've done a lot of things right and we're heading in the right direction, and Scott is a big part of our present -- and should and could be a big part of our future."

Asked if this meant the Phillies would now actively attempt to trade Rolen, Wade said, "We'd still love to have Scott be a Phillie until the end of his career. But you know the alternatives as well as I do, and I am not going to get into those alternatives."

Rolen said his decision wasn't a direct result of criticism directed at him this season by manager Larry Bowa and Phillies senior advisor Dallas Green.

"I've been in the organization nine years," Rolen said. "There are many issues we're dealing with. But for right now, the most significant issue is simply that I'm one year from free agency, and free agency is the greatest right any player can have, and I want to pursue it."

Rolen, 26, said he understands his stance is likely to lead the Phillies to change directions and try to trade him this winter, and he said he's "prepared" for it.

"I understand they're going to do what's best for the organization," he said. "But I'm not demanding (a trade). I'm not asking. I haven't demanded or asked for anything. But I'm prepared for whatever happens."