Yes, the Twins have declined their $12.5 million option for Joe Nathan's services in 2012.
Minnesota Twins Decline 2012 Option On Joe Nathan
This does not, however, mean that Nathan won’t be pitching for the Twins this next season. It just means they don’t think he’s worth $10.5 million -- the Twins are on the hook for a $2 million buyout -- which of course is obviously true after a season in which Nathan posted a 4.84 in 45 innings. What’s next, though?
“I spoke with Joe and his agent this morning, and expressed our interest in re-signing Joe,” Twins general manager Bill Smith said in a statement. “We will remain in contact with them as we move forward into the free agent process.”
Four pitchers recorded saves for the Twins in 2011: Nathan (14), Matt Capps (15), Glen Perkins (2) and Phil Dumatrait (1). Nathan and Capps are both free agents, and Perkins is a left-hander with no real history of closing out games. So the Twins might well be looking for a new closer, and might turn to their old closer if Nathan doesn't get a big offer from some other club.
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