Joe Nathan, Rangers Come to Terms on Two-Year Deal, Neftali Feliz Likely to Move to Rotation

Joe Nathan may have been on the long list of potential candidates to replace Red Sox closer Jonathan Papelbon after the former Sox reliever bolted for Philadlephia earlier this month.

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.