NEW YORK - The Los Angeles Dodgers have withdrawn their contract offer to left fielder Manny Ramirez but will continue to negotiate, according to a report by MLB.com on Friday.

The Dodgers had offered Ramirez a two-year, $45 million contract, which included an option for a third year worth $15 million. MLB.com reported the offer expired on Thursday night, when Los Angeles' exclusive window for resigning departing free agents closed.

Despite withdrawing the offer, the Dodgers still will make an attempt to resign the enigmatic slugger.

"We still have an interest in him," Los Angeles general manager Ned Colletti told the web site. "This doesn't mean we won't continue discussions. They just can't accept that offer flat-out. It's like any other free-agent negotiation now. We'll have conversations, and sometimes you're able to sign the player and sometimes you're not.

"Our exclusivity ended yesterday, and now they'll have a chance to hear what other clubs are willing to pay and for how long."

Ramirez was acquired from the Boston Red Sox in a deadline deal in July and carried the Dodgers into the postseason. They won their first playoff series since 1988, advancing to the National League Championship Series before falling to the eventual world champion Philadelphia Phillies.

Ramirez hit .396 with 17 home runs and 53 RBI in 53 games with Los Angeles. He turned it up even more in the playoffs, batting .520 (13-for-25) with four homers, 10 RBI and 11 walks.

The 12-time All-Star is 17th on baseball's all-time home run list with 527 and 20th with 1,725 RBI in 16 seasons.

Also on NBCSports.com Rosenthal: Steelers’ struggles could sink their playoff hopes Circling the Bases: Halladay to Cubs? That’s unlikely College Football Talk: Weis to resign? That’s ‘not happening’ Opinion: So far, Nowitzki is NBA’s MVP  |  Fan Ranker Twitter: Follow us @nbc_sports

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Twins’ Mauer wins historic AL MVP award CTB: Mauer had truly historic season CTB: Did A-Rod throw cousin under financial bus? CTB: Red Sox willing to throw money into Lowell deal DeMarco: Red Sox should take measured approach   No horror film: Yankees like this Series movie Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay CTB: Dye open to move at first base CTB: Mets may play some games in Puerto Rico CTB: Future Hall of Famer Vizquel joins White Sox Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: