Ranger updates: Kluber option declined, Farrell assigned to minors, Gibaut claimed

The move we knew was coming is now official. The Texas Rangers have officially declined the option for starting pitcher, Corey Kluber. They pay a $1 million buyout to save $17 million. For a team focused on going young, this move makes sense. His performance on the mound this year was going to determine the Rangers decision on his option. For a team going younger and needing to save money, this move makes plenty of sense. There is still a possibility that Kluber is brought back on a cheap 1-3 year deal with incentives.

Luke Farrell assigned to the Minors

Right-handed pitcher Luke Farrell, 29, was assigned outright to the minor leagues. Farrell had an earned run average of 8.44 in his 5.1 innings pitched. He had a -0.1 rWAR and a 1.875 WHIP.

In 2019, he pitched 13.1 innings and had a 2.70 earned run average with a 0.675 WHIP so it was a much better year even though he was still limited in innings.

Luke Farrell is also the son of former manager John Farrell.

Ian Gibaut claimed by the Twins

Relief pitcher, Ian Gibaut has been claimed off of waivers by the Minnesota Twins. He’s got a fastball that averages a little above 95 mph but he’s got some control issues. He pitched 12.1 innings in 2019 and 2020.

The Texas Rangers roster now sits at 32 and they have some decisions to make about who to add to protect from the rule-5 draft in December.

Thanks for reading everyone and have a great weekend.