Nathan to test free agent market

Reliever Joe Nathan became a free agent on Friday when he declined a $9.5 million contract option for next season with the Texas Rangers.

The veteran closer, who turns 39 later this month, had a stellar 2013 season, posting a 6-2 record with 43 saves and a 1.39 ERA in 65 innings. He now ranks 10th on baseball's career saves list with 341.

In two seasons with the Rangers, Nathan compiled 80 saves and a 2.09 ERA in 126 innings. Texas took a gamble in signing him after he struggled with the Minnesota Twins in 2011 while coming back from reconstructive elbow surgery.