It is unlikely that the Blue Jays will deal reliever Darren Oliver to the Rangers, according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan.
The 42-year-old Oliver has a year left on his deal with Toronto but was contemplating retirement during the offseason. Oliver’s agent recently told the team that he would only return if the team increased his $3 million salary for next season. If the Blue Jays were not willing to give him a better deal, he requested to be traded to the Rangers.
The two sides have discussed a deal, but industry sources told Sullivan it’s “unlikely to happen.” The Blue Jays are moving forward with the expectation that Oliver will not return next season.
A 19-year MLB veteran, Oliver spent 10 seasons with the Rangers. In 56.2 innings last season with Toronto, Oliver had a 2.06 ERA and a 2.95 FIP. Oliver has posted a sub-3.00 ERA in each of the past five seasons.
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