Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports.
Jason Frasor will forgo the opportunity to test the free agent market and has instead signed a new one year deal to remain with the Texas Rangers according to a team press release. Frasor’s new deal will pay him $1.75 Million for the 2014 season, with incentives.
The move is an aggressive but smart one on the part of Rangers GM Jon Daniels. The team was facing multiple questions when it came to their bullpen and in signing Frasor they were able to quickly address on in a cost-effective manner. Frasor first joined the Rangers last winter, signing a one year deal in in January for $1.5 Million. He’d make 61 appearances out of the team’s bullpen this year while pitching to a 2.57 ERA and 1.143 WHIP. He was reliable and Daniels was able to retain him at a minimal increase in cost.
Texas will head into the winter with Tanner Scheppers, Joakim Soria, Robbie Ross, Neal Cotts, and Frasor in place. Neftali Feliz will also likely figure into the mix.
Joe Nathan remains a question mark. The veteran closer holds an option in his contract which will permit him to void the final year of his deal in order to seek a multi-year contract on the open market. Most speculation has suggested that he’ll look to test the market, so the team could be in line to replace him as their closer. There are no guarantees that they’ll re-sign him.