The White Sox picked up the $3.5 million club option on infielder/outfielder Leury Garcia on Thursday and, as expected, declined options on designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion and left-hander Gio Gonzalez.
Encarnacion’s option was for $12 million with no buyout. Gonzalez’ option was for $7 million with a $500,000 buyout.
The Orioles claimed Sox infielder Yolmer Sanchez off waivers, a day after the Sox signed infielder Tim Beckham to a minor league contract. Beckham will earn $1.35 million in 2021 if he makes the team.
Beckham, who did not play in 2020, was suspended 80 games in August 2019 for using performance enhancing drugs. He batted .237/.293/.461 with 15 homers and 47 RBI in 88 games for the Mariners in 2019, and he owns a .249/.302/.431 career hitting line with 63 homers over six seasons with the Rays, Orioles and Mariners.
The Sox also reinstated right-hander Michael Kopech from the restricted list after he opted out of the 2020 season and reinstated right-hander Jimmy Lambert from the 60-day injured list.
Encarnacion, 37, batted .157/.250/.377 with 10 home runs in his first year as a Sox. Gonzalez, 35, also in his first year, was 1-2 with 4.83 in 12 games including four starts.
Garcia batted .271/.317/.441 with three homers in 16 games.
The Sox’ 40-man roster is at 36.
