Skip to main content

CSN Bay Area

HOME  >  NEWS  >  SPORTS
Rangers closer Joe Nathan declines $9M option
Share This Post
Comments
Friday, November 1, 2013 - 11:30pm

All-Star closer Joe Nathan became a free agent Friday after declining a $9 million contract option in his deal with the Texas Rangers.

After the Rangers exercised their portion of a mutual option, Nathan opted out of the deal, as expected. The right-hander wants at least a two-year agreement, which the Rangers don't plan to offer.

"My expectation is that there are other teams that maybe have a bigger need in the bullpen and will put in more resources than we are," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We have some other areas that are a higher priority for us to address."

Because he finished more than 55 games this season, Nathan was able to opt out of the deal. By declining the option, Nathan gave up a $750,000 buyout.

Nathan, who turns 39 later this month, had 80 saves over two All-Star seasons in Texas. He was 6-2 with a 1.39 ERA and 43 saves this year.

Daniels said the Rangers feel their bullpen in an area of strength and depth. He expects the next closer to come from within the organization, though he said a decision on who that will be likely won't be made until the Rangers get to spring training in Arizona.

"We have a number of guys internally that have done that for us before," Daniels said.

Texas still has two former All-Star closers on their roster, though Joakim Soria and Neftali Feliz both had ligament replacement surgery in 2012. Feliz was a closer before moving into the Rangers rotation in 2012, then getting hurt.

Soria missed the entire 2012 season for Kansas City before signing a two-year deal with Texas, and going 1-0 with a 3.80 ERA in 26 appearances this season after coming up in July. Felix is still rehabbing with the expectation to be in the bullpen next season.

Tanner Scheppers was 6-2 with a 1.88 ERA in primarily an eighth-inning role this season. Alexi Ogando is another closer option, though Daniels indicated that it's likely the right-hander would remain in the rotation rather than returning to the bullpen.

Nathan missed the 2010 season with Minnesota following his own Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. In his return in 2011, he lost his job as closer early in the season before reclaiming it later and pitching well in the second half, saving 11 games and holding opposing batters to a .207 average.

The Rangers signed him early that offseason, after their second consecutive World Series, a move that allowed them to move Felix into the rotation.

"Joe's been outstanding for us on and off the field," Daniels said. "He's been as advertised."

NOTES: Bobby Jones, the Rangers' Triple-A manager the last three seasons, will be part of the major league coaching staff next season. Daniels said he wasn't sure yet if Jones would fill the vacant first-base coaching job of be the seventh coach on the staff. Jones has spent 26 seasons as a coach or manager in the organization, including stints on the Texas coaching staff under Johnny Oates (2000-01) and Buck Showalter (2006).

NBCBayArea.com

There is no data to display.

Video

Justin Smith: Aldon is a freak of nature; he looks ready to go
Three and Out: Manningham to play Sunday; Crabtree soon thereafter
Aldon Smith: 'I was gone for awhile but I'm back now'
Pavelski on third-line success: Keep it simple

Giants

The BBWAA awards finalists will be announced at 6 p.m. ET
Hot stove notes: Giants, Vogelsong will explore alternatives, etc.
With qualifying offers made, Giants' rotation targets come into focus
Giants farm director Fred Stanley stepping down
Read More

Athletics

Report: A's contact Tim Hudson about return to Oakland
LaRussa, Martin among finalists for Hall of Fame
A's don't give qualifying offers to Colon, Balfour
MLB could force A's to call AT&T Park home
Read More

Sharks

Brown likely to play in Ott's return to San Jose
Pavelski, Sharks' third line setting the pace
In the Crease: Sabres vs. Sharks
Sharks look to clean up their game for Sabres
Read More

49ers

NFL Week 9: What we learned
Aldon Smith: 'It was good for me to get away'
Candlestick Park seats going on sale to public Dec. 9
Rivera: 49ers a barometer game for streaking Panthers
Read More

Raiders

Raiders first-half recap
Scott Bair's Raiders chat transcript (11.5.13)
AP sources: Incognito sent racist texts
Allen has worked to curtail hazing
Read More

Warriors

Observations from Warriors' blowout win over 76ers
Warriors coach Mark Jackson calls out his bench players
When talking trash backfires: Turner provoked Iguodala
Clippers net 137 points, hand Rockets first loss of season
Read More

NCAA

Cal player hospitalized after altercation
Cal releases statement after Fabiano Hale's hospitalization
David Shaw's strong words on hazing, harrassment
Lawson, San Jose State top UNLV 34-24
Read More
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Giants Gear
  • Buy Giants Tickets
  • Amy G.
  • Insider Andrew Baggarly

Latest News

The BBWAA awards finalists will be announced at 6 p.m. ET
HardballTalk.com

More Stories

Hot stove notes: Giants, Vogelsong will explore alternatives, etc.
(2)
With qualifying offers made, Giants' rotation targets come into focus
(6)
See more >

GIANTS VIDEO

Giants interested in bringing Vogelsong back
Giants interested in bringing Vogelsong back
See more >

GIANTS TALK

Giants farm director Fred Stanley stepping down
Giants release home spring schedule

GIANTS INSIDER

  • Judge rejects San Jose antitrust claims against MLB
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLB Standings
  • Buy Athletics Gear
  • Buy Athletics Tickets

Latest News

Report: A's contact Tim Hudson about return to Oakland
(4)
Joe Stiglich

More Stories

LaRussa, Martin among finalists for Hall of Fame
A's don't give qualifying offers to Colon, Balfour
(1)
See more >

A's VIDEO

A's do not extend qualifying offers to Colon and Balfour
A's do not extend qualifying offers to Colon and Balfour
See more >

A's TALK

MLB could force A's to call AT&T Park home
A's prospect Russell appears in Fall Stars Game
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NHL Standings
  • Buy Sharks Gear
  • Buy Sharks Tickets
  • Insider Kevin Kurz

Latest News

Brown likely to play in Ott's return to San Jose
Kevin Kurz

More Stories

Pavelski, Sharks' third line setting the pace
(2)
In the Crease: Sabres vs. Sharks
(2)
See more >

SHARKS VIDEO

Pavelski on third-line success: Keep it simple
Pavelski on third-line success: Keep it simple
See more >

Features

Sharks look to clean up their game for Sabres
Sharks notes: Burns 'getting closer'

SHARKS INSIDER

  • Tigers ride Verlander to shutout win, avoid ALDS collapse
  • Leyland 'slept great' after Game 4 loss
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Warriors Gear
  • Buy Warriors Tickets

Latest News

Observations from Warriors' blowout win over 76ers
(1)
CSNPhilly.com

More Stories

Observations from Warriors' blowout win over 76ers
(1)
When talking trash backfires: Turner provoked Iguodala
See more >

WARRIORS VIDEO

Iguodala on Turner's trash talk: 'I wanted to shut him out'
Iguodala on Turner's trash talk: 'I wanted to shut him out'
See more >

Features

Clippers net 137 points, hand Rockets first loss of season
Monday's win in Philly highlights Warriors' depth, versatility

MONTE POOLE

There is no data to display.

  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NBA Standings
  • Buy Kings Gear
  • Buy Kings Tickets

Latest News

Kings back at home to face Hawks
Associated Press

More Stories

Kings drop second straight, lose 98-87 to Warriors
Preview: Kings look for early I-80 statement
(2)
See more >

Watch

Malone: 'We were not ready to play; no pride'
Malone: 'We were not ready to play; no pride'
See more >

Features

Chris Paul, Clippers hand Kings first loss
Cousins described Maloof-era Kings as 'an AAU team'

Fantasy Hoops

  • The Daily Dose: Dose: Durant's Triple-double
  • PRO BASKETBALL TALK
  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy 49ers Tickets
  • Buy 49ers Gear
  • Insider Matt Maiocco

Latest News

NFL Week 9: What we learned
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Aldon Smith: 'It was good for me to get away'
(1)
Candlestick Park seats going on sale to public Dec. 9
See more >

49ers VIDEO

Justin Smith: Aldon is a freak of nature; he looks ready to go
Justin Smith: Aldon is a freak of nature; he looks ready to go
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 8 Rewind: 49ers set the tone in rout of Jags
(13)
Matt Maiocco

49ers INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • NFL Standings
  • Buy Raiders Tickets
  • Buy Raiders Gear
  • Insider Scott Bair

Latest News

Raiders first-half recap
Scott Bair

More Stories

Scott Bair's Raiders chat transcript (11.5.13)
AP sources: Incognito sent racist texts
(1)
See more >

RAIDERS VIDEO

Should Raiders extend McFadden's contract?
Should Raiders extend McFadden's contract?
See more >

WEEKLY REWIND

Week 9 Rewind: Raiders must rebound after crushing loss
(26)
Scott Bair

RAIDERS INSIDER

There is no data to display.

  • Scoreboard
  • Stats
  • Schedule
  • Roster
  • MLS Standings
  • MLS Player Leaders
  • Buy Quakes Gear
  • Buy Quakes Tickets

Top Story

Earthquakes to open Levi's Stadium
(4)
CSN Bay Area staff

More Stories

Quakes sign Mark Watson to multi-year contract as head coach
(1)
Quakes end season with win over FC Dallas
See more >

Watch

Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
Earthquakes beat FC Dallas 2-1, Corrales honored
See more >

Shop

ANDREW BAGGARLY

Hot stove notes: Giants, Vogelsong will explore alternatives, etc.
(2)
See more >

MONTE POOLE

Warriors coach Mark Jackson calls out his bench players
(3)
See more >

MATT MAIOCCO

Aldon Smith: 'It was good for me to get away'
(1)
See more >

SCOTT BAIR

Raiders first-half recap
See more >

KEVIN KURZ

Brown likely to play in Ott's return to San Jose
See more >

CASEY PRATT

RAY RATTO

If Martin takes legal action, it could be end of his career

TOP STORIES

  • Report: A's contact Tim Hudson about return to Oakland
  • A's don't give qualifying offers to Colon, Balfour
  • MLB could force A's to call AT&T Park home

AFF

Enter here for the chance to win a pair of tickets to Authentic Fan Friday!

FOLLOW @CSNAUTHENTIC

@CSNAuthentic on Twitter

Facebook.com/CSNBayArea

CSN on Instagram

TEXT ALERTS

Be the first to know. Sign up for breaking news text alerts!

NCAA

Lawson, San Jose State top UNLV 34-24
Cal comes up short, falls to Arizona 33-28

MORE

  • SaberCats
  • Preps
  • Biz Ball
  • Fight Sports
  • Motor Sports
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Ray Ratto
Curry Jersey
Giants Fitted Hat
49ers Hoodie

Mega Menu: Shop

  • Giants
  • A's Shop
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Shop
  • Warriors
  • Kings Shop
  • Sharks Shop

Mega Menu: Shop - Tickets

  • Giants
  • A's Tickets
  • 49ers
  • Raiders Tickets
  • Warriors
  • Kings Tickets
  • Sharks Tickets

Latest Videos

Justin Smith: Aldon is a freak of nature; he looks ready to go
Justin Smith: Aldon is a freak of nature; he looks ready to go
See more >

ONLINE SHOWS

  • Buster Knows Squat
  • Romo's Relief
  • Humm BB
  • Diamond Girls
  • Bullshootin'
  • Amy G.’s Exclusives
  • Learning with the Pros

TV SHOWS

  • All Videos
  • SportsNet Central
  • Yahoo! SportsTalk Live

INSIDERS

  • Ray Ratto - Senior Insider
  • Andrew Baggarly - Giants Insider
  • Matt Maiocco - 49ers Insider
  • Scott Bair - Raiders Insider
  • Kevin Kurz - Sharks Insider
  • Casey Pratt - Field of Teams
  • TV Schedule - Bay Area and California
  • Channel Locations - Bay Area
  • Channel Locations - California