(670 The Score) The White Sox declined their team options on designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and left-hander Gio Gonzalez in a series of roster moves Friday, making both free agents.
The 37-year-old Encarnacion’s contract had a $12-million option for 2021 without a buyout. His exit was no surprise, as he struggled in hitting .157 with 10 homers, 19 RBIs and a .627 OPS in 44 games in 2020.
Gonzalez’s contract had a $7-million option for 2021 and a $500,000 buyout that the White Sox will owe him. His exit also was expected. Gonzalez, 35, posted a 4.83 ERA and 1.86 WHIP in 12 appearances.
In other moves, the White Sox exercised their $3.5-million option on infielder/outfielder Leury Garcia for 2021. He hit .271 with three homers, eight RBIs and a .758 OPS in 16 in 2020, when he missed most of the season with an injured thumb.
The White Sox also reinstated right-hander Michael Kopech from the restricted list and reinstated right-hander Jimmy Lambert from the 60-day injured list. Kopech opted out of playing in the 2020 season.
White Sox infielder Yolmer Sanchez was also claimed off waivers by the Orioles. The White Sox’s 40-man roster sits at 36 players.