ARLINGTON, Texas — Player options fall into one of three categories – Club, Player and Mutual. Five days after the conclusion of the 2024 World Series, players and clubs must decide whether to exercise those options. Club options mean that the Texas Rangers can pick up the option and the player would play the following season at the agreed-upon salary.
Player options leave the decision up to the player, giving them the chance to return at the agreed-upon salary or enter the free agent market if they decline. Mutual options can be exercised by either the club or the player, but both sides have to agree in order for the player to stay on the team at the agreed-upon salary. If either player or club declines the option, the player enters free agency.
The Rangers have three players with options to make decisions on coming up following a disappointing 2024 season. Each player represents one of the three options. Nathan Eovaldi - Player Option - $20 million The decision for the right-handed bulldog from Alvin, Texas is not one that will be made easily.
Entering his age-35 season, Eovaldi is coming off a season that, at times, felt like a step backward, but peripherally, was a better season than 2023. While his ERA went up slightly, the split-finger artist made four more starts, pitched in 26 2⁄3 more innings to lead the team, allowed fewer walks, struck out more, had a lower WHIP, and a better K/BB ratio. Nathan Eovaldi’s career stats with the Texas Rangers: 59 G 28-13 343 I.
