The Texas Rangers on Friday declined an $18 million team option for 2021 on right-hander Corey Kluber.
Acquired in a trade with Cleveland last December, the two-time Cy Young Award winner only pitched to three batters in a Rangers uniform.
Making his Texas debut in a July 26 start against Colorado, he exited after one scoreless inning with a torn muscle in his right shoulder.
The Rangers will owe Kluber, 34, a $1 million buyout and he becomes a free agent.
The three-time All-Star was 98-58 with a 3.16 ERA and 1,461 strikeouts in 208 games (203) starts with the Indians from 2011-19.
Texas also outrighted right-hander Luke Farrell to the minors and sent right-hander Ian Gibaut to the Minnesota Twins on a waiver claim.