White Sox decline option for next season on catcher Geovany Soto

Geovany Soto. (Ann Heisenfelt/AP)

CHICAGO — Geovany Soto‘s $3 million option was declined by the Chicago White Sox, making the catcher eligible for free agency.

The NL Rookie of the Year with the Cubs in 2008, he agreed to a minor league contract with the White Sox in January that called for a $2 million salary in the major leagues. The 34-year-old Soto missed most of last season because of a right elbow injury that required surgery and batted .190 in 13 games. He will get a $250,000 buyout.

Chicago also reinstated outfielder Charlie Tilson and right-hander Zach Putnam from the 60-day disabled list on Thursday.

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