Report: Rangers decline $13.5-million option on Alex Rios
Alex Rios is set to become a free agent after the Texas Rangers reportedly declined his $13.5-million team option for next season.
Rios, slowed by ankle and thumb injuries this season, has been informed he will receive a buyout, according to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. Baseball Prospectus's Cot's Contracts lists Rios's buyout figure at $1 million.
The 33-year-old veteran immediately becomes one of the more intriguing outfielders on the free-agent market given his ability to play center and propensity for raking against left-handed pitching.
Rios's second season in Texas was marred by injury. He missed the final 22 games of the year due to a right thumb infection, and a sprained ankle hindered his second-half production after he put up solid numbers ahead of the All-Star break.
| 2ND-HALF SLUMP | XBH | OPS | wOBA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre All-Star | 33 | .773 | .334 |
| Post All-Star | 9 | .527 | .237 |
Although Rios hasn't appeared in center field since suiting up for 143 games at the position in 2011, interested teams may see him as a flex option over the course of a season, thereby increasing his value.
Rios posted his worst statistical campaign since 2011 this year and has seen a steady decline in numbers over the last several seasons. But he still offers speed (this season he stole at least 20 bases for the third time in four years) and a solid bat in a market thin on impact outfielders.
He remains a potent threat against left-handed pitching, slashing .325/.353/.545 against southpaws this season. His .530 slugging percentage against lefties over the last three years ranks seventh among major-league outfielders.