Twins Decline Nathan's Option

[Giantmetfan07]

The Twins announced today that they've declined their club option on reliever Joe Nathan. The option was worth $12.5MM, but the team will pay a $2MM buyout. GM Bill Smith said, "I spoke with Joe and his agent this morning, and expressed our interest in re-signing Joe. We will remain in contact with them as we move forward into the free agent process."

Nathan signed a four-year contract extension for $47MM in March of 2008, and the total remains the record for a reliever. Nathan, 36, had been dominant as the Twins' closer from 2004-09, racking up a 1.87 ERA, 11.1 K/9, 2.6 BB/9, 0.6 HR/9, and 246 saves in 418 2/3 innings. He had Tommy John surgery in March of 2010, returning this year to mixed results. Further removed from the surgery, he'll be a popular free agent target on a one-year deal.

MLBTR

Depending on what the price and demand is for him, I could possibly see the Mets go after him. Obviously there's a limit to what Alderson will be willing to spend, but Mets did lose probably 6+ games this year due to a shaky bullpen, and no reliable closer.

Nathan could be the guy to possibly bring some stability to it. I liked Parnell as an 8th inning guy and he did a solid job there, but just doesn't have the control of his pitches to be a reliable closer.

 

[elcheato]

His best days are behind him.

 

[The Guid]

I'd expect a lot of teams to look into Nathan.

 

[Giantmetfan07]

His best are behind him but a team that plays in a pitcher-friendly ballpark could definitely suit him well.

If anyone really expected him to bounce back immediately following Tommy John surgery, they were nuts. It takes time, especially when you're older.

 

[NV]

It's a shame he couldn't bounce back from surgery, he was one of the top closers in the league before.

 

[cruzg24]

Yea, I could see the Mets signing him. We are in need of a closer and this is a cheap pitcher who has a possibility of having a bounce back year in the National League.

 

[playmaker7]

Giants need to sign this dude i'd love that <3

 

[bosoxlover12]

Nathan will get paid from the team who doesnt sign Papelbon

 

[elcheato]

Isn't Heath Bell a free agent? I would want him a lot more then Nathan..