Texas has declined its $13.5 million option on outfielder Alex Rios, giving him a $1 million buyout instead.
Rios is now a free agent coming off a season in which he hit .280 with four homers and a .709 OPS in 131 games.
In his prime Rios combined above-average hitting with good speed and defense, but at age 34 he’s no longer a standout defender even in a corner outfield spot and he’s got a .735 OPS in 287 games dating back to last year.
He’ll be a starter somewhere next season, but for a whole lot less than $13.5 million.
