Rosenthal: Berkman considering retiring, forfeiting salary

Ken Rosenthal just tweeted that Lance Berkman is meeting with Ranger officials today, and is contemplating retirement, which would mean giving up the remainder of the salary he is due (which Rosenthal puts at $4.4 million).

Berkman, who was signed to a one year, $10M deal with a vesting option for 2014, was hoped to be able to provide the Rangers with a quality bat in the middle of their lineup after missing most of 2012 after undergoing knee surgery. Instead, after a solid start to the season, Berkman has struggled mightily, putting up a .254/.355/.377 line before going on the disabled list.

Berkman was quoted yesterday as saying that it was getting to the point where he had to make a decision about whether he was going to be able to come back this year, and hinted that, if he didn't think he could get there, he might retire.

If Berkman were to opt to retire, and forego the remaining money he would be due, that could possibly give the Rangers more money in their budget to make a move today.