Rangers’ Joc Pederson, Kyle Higashioka and Jakob Junis decline mutual options

Arlington, Texas (AP) — Designated hitter Joc Pederson, catcher Kyle Higashioka and right-hander Jakob Junis have declined their mutual options with the Texas Rangers, the team announced on Saturday. According to the report, Pederson turned down an $18 million option that was not accompanied by a buyout, as part of a $37 million, two-year contract.

The 34-year-old, who is a two-time All-Star, batted .235 with 26 home runs and 53 RBIs in 136 games. However, he did not play after September 12 when he suffered a left wrist fracture after being hit by a 93.3 mph fastball from Arizona's Brandon Pfaadt.

Higashioka, the 36-year-old catcher, declined a $7 million option and faces a $1 million buyout, concluding a $13.5 million, two-year contract. He hit .218 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 56 games this season. Higashioka played his final MLB game on July 20 due to a right flexor strain, and later played in 11 games at Triple-A Round Rock from September 4-20 as part of an injury rehabilitation assignment.

Junis, the right-hander, declined a $5 million option and gets a $1.25 million buyout as part of a $4 million, one-year contract. The 34-year-old struck out 3 batters with a 3.64 ERA in 52 relief appearances. Junis did not pitch between June 29 and July 18 due to hip impingement, and also missed pitching from July 28 to August 15 because of a left adductor strain.