White Sox decline option on closer Liam Hendriks, while Mike Clevinger declines his mutual option to hit free agency

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(670 The Score) The White Sox on Friday declined the $15-million team option for 2024 on closer Liam Hendriks' contract, while right-hander Mike Clevinger declined his $12-million mutual option. Both players will become free agents.

Hendriks underwent Tommy John surgery in August but hopes to return late in the 2024 season. Hendriks is still owed $15-million on a buyout as part of his deal, but that will be deferred with $1.5-million payouts annually over 10 years.

Hendriks, 34, returned to the mound last May after battling non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in the offseason. He pitched five innings and recorded one save prior to being shut down due to elbow inflammation.

A two-time All-Star with the White Sox, Hendriks recorded 76 saves and had a 2.76 ERA for Chicago over three seasons.

Clevinger, 32, was a reliable pitcher for the White Sox in 2023, posting a 3.77 ERA in 24 starts. His deal includes a $4-million buyout.

In other roster moves Friday, the White Sox outrighted outfielder Clint Frazier and outfielder Trayce Thompson to Triple-A Charlotte.

The next key roster decision for the White Sox to make involves shortstop Tim Anderson's future with the team. The White Sox hold a $14-million team option on Anderson's contract for 2024, but they didn't announced a decision Friday one way or the other about that.

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