Joe Nathan would like to stay with the Texas Rangers under a multiyear contract beyond the 2014 season.
The reliever has a clause in his contract that allows him to become a free agent after this season. Nathan triggered that clause on Thursday when he appeared in his 55th game.
Nathan can void the $9.5 million option the Rangers hold on him.
"The only reason to have that incentive in play is to have a little bit of power in getting a multiyear deal," Nathan said. "Other than that, I'm just glad to get to that point and have it over and done with. Not that I was worried about it, but now I don't have to concern myself with it. I can focus on what's important."
Nathan is 5-2 with a 1.53 ERA and 39 saves in 42 chances.