However, Nathan can apparently now be crossed off that list.
The Texas Rangers announced on Monday night that they have come to terms with Nathan on a two-year deal worth 14.5 million and also has a club option for a third year.
MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan was the first to report that Nathan will was to sign with the Rangers.
Nathan, 36, is coming off of a 2011 season in which he recorded just 14 saves, as he completed a return from Tommy John surgery that costed him his entire 2010 season.
The four-time All-Star recorded a career-high 47 saves in 2009. In six healthy seasons from 2004-09, Nathan averaged 41 saves per season. While he's an injury liability, Nathan's status as a Type B free agent made him an intriguing possiblity.
As Sullivan points out, bringing Nathan aboard likely means that current closer, Neftali Feliz, is likely headed to the Texas rotation.
