Tampa Bay Rays decline 2014 option on Juan Carlos Oviedo

Let’s reflect back on the 2011 MLB season. The Miami (then Florida) Marlins went a less-than-exciting 72-90 on the season, but a little-known closer named Leo Nunez managed to save 36 games in the process.

Now, flash forward to 2013, and the artist formerly known as Leo Nunez will be looking for a new employer next season.

Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times is reporting that the Tampa Bay Rays have declined the 2014 option on Juan Carlos Oviedo (Nunez’s current name), and as a result, he will be on the open market this off-season. Oviedo’s option was for $2 million dollars in 2014, and frankly, there was basically a zero percent chance of the Rays giving out that kind of money for a player who hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2011.

When he was last seen, Oviedo was coming off of three consecutive seasons with 26+ saves, and in his prime, he was also an above-average strikeout pitcher. However, the “upside” of a guy with a career 4.34 ERA is limited even when he’s been pitching, so taking on a player off of a 3-year absence (with documented arm trouble that led to Tommy John surgery) would be aggressive for any team.

Nonetheless, I’d expect Oviedo to be in camp with someone when pitchers and catchers report.