Texas Rangers decline Lance Berkman's option

Sep 2, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers designated hitter Lance Berkman (27) reacts after striking out against the Oakland Athletics in the second inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas Rangers have decided to decline the option on the contract of Lance Berkman.

In the offseason, Berkman signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the Rangers to be their designated hitter. The contract contained a $12 million team option for the 2014 season, which the Rangers had to buy out for $1 million.

Berkman played in only 73 games and wasn’t very productive for the Rangers last season, so this should come as no surprise to anyone.

In the 2013 season, Berkman batted .242, had an on-base percentage of .340 and slugged .359, the lowest slugging percentage of his career. Berkman hit six home runs and drove in 34 runs.

In Berkman’s 14 major league seasons, he’s played for the Houston Astros, New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals in addition to the Astros. He played for the Astros from 1999 until 2010 when he was traded to the Yankees.

It will be tough for Berkman to find much of a contract from anyone and it obviously won’t be anywhere near $11 million. Since Berkman will be 38 by the time the season rolls around, his best bet may be to retire.

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Texas Rangers decline Lance Berkman’s option

By Andrew Melnick | Oct 31, 2013