White Sox decline 2021 options on Encarnacion, Gonzalez

The Chicago White Sox declined designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion's $12-million option and left-hander Gio Gonzalez's $7-million option for 2021, the team announced Friday.

Encarnacion's deal doesn't include a buyout, while Gonzalez will receive $500,000. Both players are now free agents.

The 37-year-old Encarnacion struggled during his lone season with the White Sox after agreeing to a contract in January. The three-time All-Star hit .157/.250/.377 with 10 home runs over 44 games this summer, logging only two postseason plate appearances.

Gonzalez, 35, appeared in 12 games (four starts) for the White Sox in 2020, going 1-2 with a 4.83 ERA and 1.86 WHIP over 31 2/3 innings.

Additionally, the White Sox exercised utility man Leury Garcia's $3.5-million option. Garcia appeared in only 16 games this past season, but he hit .271 with three home runs over 63 plate appearances. In 2019, the 29-year-old slashed .279/.310/.378 in 140 games.