Free extension for sports fans
Advertisement
Advertisement

Pederson, Higashioka, Junis free agents after mutual options declined (sources)

ARLINGTON -- The MLB offseason is officially underway. According to sources, the mutual options for three Rangers -- designated hitter Joc Pederson, catcher Kyle Higashioka and reliever Jakob Junis -- were not exercised on Friday. ESPN was first on the…

Published: Saturday, 31 October 2026 at 3:35 AM
Pederson, Higashioka, Junis free agents after mutual options declined (sources)
Key Things to Know
  • Joc Pederson, Kyle Higashioka, and Jakob Junis are free agents after mutual options were declined, according to sources.
  • Declining the options frees up roughly $30 million on the Texas Rangers' payroll.
  • Pederson became a free agent following a 2026 season where he hit 26 home runs as a designated hitter.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Texas Rangers players Joc Pederson, Kyle Higashioka, and Jakob Junis have become free agents after their mutual contract options were declined, according to sources. Although the club has not yet officially announced the decisions, mutual options are rarely exercised by both sides. The moves reportedly free up roughly $30 million on the Rangers' payroll.

Pederson hit 26 home runs in 2026 before suffering a left hand fracture, while Higashioka was limited to 58 games due to a flexor strain. Junis delivered a 2.80 first-half ERA out of the bullpen before battling injuries down the stretch.

Advertisement

Never Miss a Sports Update

Get the latest sports news and top stories from MySportsTab delivered straight to your inbox.

No spam. Just the latest sports news and updates.