Drew Rucinski: Free agent after option declined

Rucinski (back) had his $5 million team option for 2024 declined by the A's, Ari Alexander of KPRC 2 reports.

Rucinski underwent lumbar spine surgery in August and is expected to miss part of the 2024 campaign, although a specific timeline for his return isn't clear. Given his 9.00 ERA and 6:14 K:BB over 18 innings in 2023, along with ample time missed with knee issues, Rucinski's option probably wasn't going to be exercised even if he had been healthy.