Rangers make qualifying offer to Cruz, waive Blackley and Wolf

The Texas Rangers have announced a series of procedural moves today.

As expected, the Rangers have formally made a qualifying offer to free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz.  Cruz now has until Monday, November 12 11, to decide whether to accept the qualifying offer of $14.1 million for the 2014 season, or reject it.  If Cruz rejects the qualifying offer, the Rangers will get a compensatory pick for Cruz if he signs elsewhere.

No other players were tendered qualifying offers by the Rangers.  There was some speculation that the Rangers should tender a qualifying offer to free agent closer Joe Nathan, but that didn't happen.

The Rangers have also announced that they have waived Travis Blackley and Ross Wolf, both of whom were on the 40 man roster.  Blackley has become a free agent.  Wolf, meanwhile, has agreed to terms on a minor league deal with the Rangers for the 2014 season.  He will presumably be counted on to provide rotation depth in AAA for Texas.

Finally, the Rangers announced they have reinstated Edwar Cabrera and Matt Harrison from the 60 day disabled list.

With these moves, and the players who are now free agents, the Rangers' 40 man roster stands at 34.