Darren Oliver will pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2013 after all.
On Wednesday the team announced the 42-year-old will return for $3 million.
Through his agent Jeff Frye, the 42-year-old Oliver had recently threatened to retire unless he was traded to the Texas Rangers or received a significant raise on the $3 million club option the Blue Jays exercised on him following the 2012 season.
Oliver and his family, including teenage children, reside in the Dallas area.
The left-handed pitcher will address the media Wednesday afternoon in a conference call.
Wow!!!! That pumps me up. #LetsGoooooo!!!!!RT @shidavidi: #BlueJays say Darren Oliver to return for a 20th season.
— Ricky Romero (@RickyRo24) January 16, 2013
In 2012, his 19th season in the Majors, Oliver enjoyed arguably the most effective season of career, posting career bests in ERA (2.06) and WHIP (1.024) over 56.2 innings while proving to be equally adept at getting batters out from both sides of the plate.
Throughout the season Oliver hinted at retirement while the Blue Jays made the popular veteran reliever know they would welcome him back in 2013.
A decision from Oliver was expected in early January, but when the Blue Jays did hear from him – or in this case his agent Frye – it wasn’t the message they were hoping for.
“It’s going to take a lot more money for Darren to play in Toronto than play in Texas,” Frye told MLB.com. “We’re waiting on the Blue Jays to pay him what he deserves. If not, we have asked them to trade him to Texas if the Rangers are interested.
“If not he’ll ride off into the sunset after a great 19-year career and enjoy his family.”
Anthopolous responded by telling MLB.com he didn’t expect the Blue Jays to meet his demands and as a result, didn’t see him pitching in Toronto in 2013.
“As far as restructuring his contract, I would never say never, but his contract is his contract,” said Anthopoulos. That’s what we signed him to. I don’t see us doing that.”
What changed Oliver’s stance from a few weeks ago is unknown at the moment, but it’ll become clear later Wednesday afternoon.
The Blue Jays also announced on Wednesday that shortstop Jose Reyes will be in Toronto Thursday for an introductory press conference at Roger Centre.
Below: Keep it here for live tweets from Darren Oliver’s conference call Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET.