On Friday, the Chicago White Sox chose not to exercise their $15 million club option for closer Liam Hendriks.
In addition, right-hander Mike Clevinger’s $12 million mutual option was declined, according to the White Sox. Clint Frazier and Trayce Thompson, two veteran outfielders, were sent straight to Triple-A Charlotte.
A $15 million buyout is payable to Hendriks; this will be distributed in ten equal payments between 2024 and 2033. Clevinger is acquired for $4 million.
In the Major League Baseball Players Association’s annual Players Choice Awards, Hendriks was selected as the AL comeback player of the year. After starting the season on the disabled list to continue his treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the 34-year-old right-hander made a comeback in May.
After undergoing surgery in August to repair a ruptured ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow, he may miss the 2024 season.
Two days prior to being placed on the 15-day disabled list due to right elbow discomfort, Hendriks made his last pitch on June 9. In five appearances, he was 2-0 with one save and a 5.40 ERA.
In January 2021, Hendriks signed a three-year, $54 million contract with Chicago during his free agency. In his debut season with the White Sox, he recorded an 8-3 record with a 2.54 ERA and a career-high 38 saves.
The 32-year-old Clevinger signed a one-year contract in December of last year, and he earned $8 million this season.
This season, Clevinger made 24 starts, going 9-9 with a 3.77 ERA and two complete games. Chicago’s 61-101 record placed them fourth in the AL Central.
Major League Baseball opened an investigation into Clevinger following allegations of domestic abuse. It declared in March that there would be no repercussions for him.
The commissioner’s office stated in a statement that thousands of emails and other documents were examined, along with interviews with over 15 individuals, including Clevinger and a lady claiming to be the mother of Clevinger’s kid.
According to the statement, Clevinger freely consented to submit to reviews by the joint treatment boards under the CBA and to abide by any recommendations.
As he reported to spring training, Clevinger expressed regret to the media for causing any inconvenience and assured them he would be cleared.