Rangers decline Barnette option, make no qualifying offers

The Texas Rangers officially exercised the 2018 option the team holds on pitcher Martin Perez, and declined options on first baseman Mike Napoli and pitcher Tony Barnette. The Rangers also announced that pitcher Austin Bibens-Dirkx and catcher A.J. Jimenez have cleared waivers, and that pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez and infielder Hanser Alberto have been activated from the 60 day disabled list.

The only item on this list that is kind of surprising was the decision to decline the option on Barnette. Barnette had a strong 2016 campaign, but struggled in 2017, particularly early and late in the year. That said, with a team that is in need of relievers, the $4 million option on Barnette didn’t seem…