Texas Rangers closer Joe Nathan is looking for a two-year deal if he becomes a free agent this offseason, reports the Fort Worth Star-Telegram Drew Davison.
Joe Nathan free agency: Rangers closer seeking 2-year deal
Nathan is coming off one of his best seasons, though the Rangers hold a $9 million option on him.
Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
The Rangers do have a $9 million option on Nathan for 2014, but he finished 55 games this season. That mark allows him to void the option and become a free agent if he so chooses. Nathan says he is not sure if the team is planning on picking up his option or not.
“We’re ready either way, and it’s no surprise that I’m going to try to look at getting at least a two-year deal,” Nathan told reporters. “We’ll see if that can happen here in Texas, but I don’t know which path they want to go down. Whichever direction they come to us, we’re well prepared.”
The Rangers have yet to approach him with an offer for multiple seasons. Were he to leave, Texas has a number of other, cheaper options that could finish games. Neftali Feliz and Joakim Soria both have closing experience while Tanner Scheppers was one of the team's best relievers in 2013.
In his second year with the Rangers, Nathan had his best season since 2009. He picked up 43 saves while posting a 1.39 ERA and 0.90 WHIP. He also struck out 73 batters in just under 65 innings of work. Nathan will turn 39 in November.
More from SB Nation MLB:
See More:
