Joe Nathan voids 2014 team option, becomes free agent

Per the beat guys on Twitter, the Rangers exercised their 2014 team option on closer Joe Nathan, but Nathan exercised his right to void the option, and is now a free agent.

Because Nathan finished 55 games in 2013, he was able to void the Rangers' $9M team option for 2014, and his doing so was expected.  The Rangers would have owed Nathan a $750,000 buyout if they had not exercised the option.  Because they exercised the option and Nathan voided it, they have saved that buyout.

Nathan did a terrific job as the Rangers' closer in 2012 and 2013, after having been signed as a free agent prior to the 2012 season.  Nathan is reportedly seeking a multi-year deal, and Jon Daniels has publicly indicated that they do not anticipate committing to a large multi-year deal with Nathan.

Likely candidates for the 2014 closer's job with Texas are Tanner Scheppers, Joakim Soria, Neftali Feliz, and Alexi Ogando.