Aug 17, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder
Alex Rios(51) singles during the ninth inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers chose to decline a $14 million option for Alex Rios on Wednesday, setting the stage for the 33 year-old outfielder to become a free agent once the World Series concludes.
Rios has spent over a year with the Rangers after being traded from the Chicago White Sox during August of 2013. It has not ruled out that he could return to the team during the winter, but if that happens it will most likely at a cheaper price.
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Although he went through his share of power struggles this season (hitting only 4 homers), Rios has been routinely underrated as a player and would be a solid contributor to a club in need of some outfield help.
The market for Rios will be an interesting one as clubs will have to determine whether or not last year was a fluke or his skills are actually deteriorating.
Either way, he seems to be a prime candidate to secure a deal along the lines of 3 years/$30 million from a team on the cusp of contention or on the upswing.