Report: Rangers don't plan qualifying offer for Nathan
The Texas Rangers do not plan to make a $14.1 million qualifying offer to reliever Joe Nathan, CBSSports.com reported Saturday.
Nathan became a free agent on Friday when he declined a $9.5 million contract option for next season.
Nathan will be the most sought-after closer on the free agent market and could earn at least the qualifying offer amount per year. If the Rangers do not make the offer, they will not receive a draft pick as compensation for losing Nathan.
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.
