Pudge Likely To Turn Down Arbitration

Ivan Rodriguez is likely to turn down the Rangers' offer of arbitration to explore other options, according to Jon Heyman of SI.com (via Twitter). The Rangers could still work out a deal with the catcher, but they're not the only ones interested. The Royals and Giants are also in the picture, according to Heyman.

Pudge earned a base salary of $1.5MM last year, a figure he could presumably top by accepting arbitration. The 38-year-old hit .249/.280/.384 last year, splitting time with the two Texas teams. He threw out 35% of would-be base stealers, so he's still reasonably good at limiting the running game.