Tigers decline club option on Joe Nathan

The Tigers have declined their $10 million club option on reliever Joe Nathan, according to a club announcement. As we reported yesterday, Nathan still intends to pitch next season and will look for a new team on the open market.

Nathan, 40, recorded only one out with the Tigers in 2015 before tearing the ulnar collateral ligament and being sidelined for the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. He will receive a $1 million buyout from the Tigers as a result of his option being declined.

At this point in his career, Nathan may have to settle for an incentive-laden, one-year deal with a club looking for back-end bullpen help. The six-time All-Star struggled to a 4.81 ERA in 62 appearances with the Tigers in 2014 before dealing with injury last year.

In fifteen years with the Giants (1999-2003), Twins (2004-2009, 2011), Rangers (2012-2013) and Tigers (2014-2015), Nathan has recorded 377 saves while posting a 2.89 ERA in 777 appearances.

For a list of all of the option decisions coming down this week, check out our options tracker.