Joc Pederson among three Rangers to decline mutual options

Joc Pederson, Kyle Higashioka, and Jakob Junis have all opted out of their mutual options with the Texas Rangers, making them eligible for free agency. Pederson declined an $18 million option, which was part of a two-year contract worth $37 million. The 34-year-old designated hitter had a challenging season, hitting .235 with 26 home runs and 53 RBIs over 136 games, and he missed the latter part of the season due to a wrist injury sustained in September.

Higashioka also turned down his option, which was valued at $7 million, and will receive a $1 million buyout as part of his two-year deal totaling $13.5 million. The 36-year-old catcher struggled offensively, finishing the season with a .218 batting average, seven home runs, and 18 RBIs in 56 games, and he was sidelined for a significant portion of the season due to a right flexor strain. Lastly, Junis declined a $5 million option and will receive a $1.25 million buyout. The 34-year-old right-hander appeared in 52 games with a 3.64 ERA but faced injury setbacks that limited his appearances throughout the season.