The Rangers have released veteran starter Jeremy Guthrie, as per Rangers executive VP of communications John Blake (on Twitter). Guthrie was let go by the club after he exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league contract, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.
Guthrie, who turns 37 in April, earned a World Series ring with the Royals last season though he didn’t make the club’s postseason roster. The right-hander suffered through the worst season of his 12-year career, posting a 5.95 ERA, 5.1 K/9, a career-worst 14.1% home run rate and a league-leading 29 homers allowed over 148 1/3 innings. Kansas City declined its end of Guthrie’s $10MM mutual option for 2016, giving him a $3.2MM buyout instead.
Guthrie has been a reliable innings-eater over the years, and despite his struggles, he could get another look from teams. The righty told reporters (including Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram) that he is receiving consideration from two clubs about a new contract.
With Guthrie out of the mix, A.J. Griffin and Nick Martinez are the remaining contenders for the fifth spot in the Texas rotation. One of those two will hold down the fort until Yu Darvish makes his expected return from Tommy John rehab in late May or early June.
Reds, Braves, and Brewers commence bidding war.
I could see the dodgers taking a look considering how many of their pitchers are on stretchers too.
You know, a year removed from consecutive 200 inning seasons, I could see Atlanta taking him. Wouldn’t be the worst pickup, they generally do well with reclaimed starters.
And I think he’s from Georgia too
Come on, Baltimore. You know you miss him.
I’d love to see him return to the Royals as a coach or in a front office capacity.
Why is that?
Agreed he’d make a good coach. Seems to have one of the better hard sinkers in the game, if he’s able to teach it? Would be a good bonus for an organization.
Think he’s got some innings left in him however, even as a starter.. Look at some guys organizations are running out there it looks like there in back end roles.. It’s pretty bad. Guthrie is as good as, or better than many and still can get it up there to 93-4 if he absolutely has to with his 4 seamer in short spurts.
White Sox, White Sox, Go Go White Sox!
Let’s go Go Go White Sox,we’re with you all the way!