Rangers expected to decline Kluber option, 7 players become Free Agents

TR Sullivan tweeted out earlier today that the Rabgers are expected to decline the option on Corey Kluber.

Rangers have not made official announcement on RHP Corey Kluber but the plan is to not exercise his option and possibly re-sign him to a lesser deal.

— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) October 28, 2020

As noted in the tweet, nothing is official yet but this plan isn’t a surprise at all. It has been expected. The Rangers will pay a $1 million dollar buyout and Kluber will be a free agent. Kluber walked one batter and struck out one in his one inning pitched for the Rangers before his grade 2 muscle tear in his shoulder landed him on the IL. He earned a 0.1 rWAR for that one inning. Don’t be surprised if the Rangers bring him back on a cheaper deal or put an offer on the table.

There are 7 other players are now free agents

1. Relief Pitcher Jesse Chavez
2. Outfielder Shin-Soo Choo
3. Infielder Derek Dietrich
4. Catcher Jeff Mathis
5. Relief pitcher Juan Nicasio
6. Infielder Andrew Romine
7. Relief pitcher Edinson Volquez

This was the final year the Rangers owed on Prince Fielder's contract. He made $24 million. As of now Elvis Andrus will be the highest paid Ranger in 2021.