White Sox decline team options on designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and pitcher Gio Gonzalez
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CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox signed Edwin Encarnacion last offseason hoping he would provide a boost to the team’s production at designated hitter.
Encarnacion did hit 10 home runs in 2020 — but slashed only .157/.250/.377 in 44 games.
The Sox on Friday declined the $12 million team option on Encarnacion for the 2021 season. It was one of several roster moves the team announced.
The Sox also declined their $7 million option on pitcher Gio Gonzalez. There was a $500,000 buyout for Gonzalez and no buyout for Encarnacion.
The Sox exercised the $3.5 million team option on infielder/outfielder Leury Garcia, reinstated pitcher Michael Kopech from the restricted list and reinstated pitcher Jimmy Lambert from the 60-day injured list.
Like Encarnacion, the Sox last offseason signed Gonzalez to a one-year deal with a club option. Gonzalez went 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA in 12 games (four starts).
Garcia was limited to limited to 16 regular-season games because of a torn ligament in his left thumb suffered in August but returned for the postseason, starting the first two games of the American League wild-card series against the Oakland Athletics.
Garcia slashed .271/.317/.441 during the regular season. His likely role in 2021 will be to give depth in the infield and outfield.
Kopech, one of the team’s top prospects, opted out of the 2020 season. He figures to be a big part of the rotation in 2021.
Lambert missed most of the season with a right forearm strain. He made two relief appearances and pitched two scoreless innings before being placed on the injured list July 29.
Additionally, the Baltimore Orioles claimed infielder Yolmer Sanchez off waivers. Sanchez started 2020 in the San Francisco Giants organization before being released and rejoining the Sox in August. He went 5 for 16 (.313) in 11 games this season with the Sox.
With all of Friday’s moves, the Sox’s 40-man roster is at 36.
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