Alex Rios: (Thumb) Rangers Decline Option

The Rangers announced Wednesday that they have declined their $14 million option for 2015 on Rios (thumb), making the outfielder a free agent, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com reports.

Analysis:

The move wasn't especially surprising after the famously inconsistent Rios noticed a downturn in productivity this past season, with thumb and ankle injuries limiting him to just four homers and 17 stolen bases over 131 games. He figures to land a multi-year deal in free agency and should be healthy for spring training, but since he'll be entering his age-34 season in 2015, it seems doubtful that he'll reemerge as a 20/20 player again.