Timothy McFarland: Everything you need to know

McFarland announced his retirement from professional baseball on his Instagram account Monday. McFarland spent the 2025 season with the Athletics, posting a 6.89 ERA over 27 appearances before being released in July. The 36-year-old appeared in parts of 13 major-league seasons for five different teams, finishing with a 4.18 ERA across 460 outings.

The Athletics released McFarland on Wednesday. The veteran reliever had been removed from the Athletics' 40-man roster and is now on the free-agent market after clearing waivers. McFarland allowed 12 runs over 15.2 innings this season, but the sinkerballer held a 3.81 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 79 appearances for the Athletics in 2024, so he should be able to find a new gig in short order.

The Athletics designated McFarland for assignment on Friday. The left-hander spent most of May on the IL due to a groin injury before being activated in early June, and he'll lose his place on the 26-man and 40-man rosters after giving up six runs in nine outings after being reinstated. McFarland has a decent track record in the majors and will have the option to elect free agency if he clears waivers.