The Milwaukee Brewers have decided to break off negotiations with left handed pitcher Chris Capuano, according to general manager Doug Melvin (via Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel).

Haudricourt said that Melvin extended an incentive-laden offer to Capuano shortly after the season but the pitcher preferred to explore the market as a first-time free agent.

The Brewers already have five starters lined up for next year with Zack Greinke, Shaun Marcum, Yovani Gallardo, Randy Wolf and Chris Narveson.

“Chris wants to be a starting pitcher and we don’t see a match at this time,” said Melvin. “We like Chris a lot but we both decided it was best he look elsewhere. I heard teams are showing interest.”

Capuano was 4-4 with a 4.64 ERA in 24 games, nine as a starter, with the Brewers in 2010.