White Sox decline $25 million option on Yoan Moncada

The White Sox declined the $25-million club option on third baseman Yoán Moncada and the $7.5-million club option on catcher Max Stassi for the 2025 season. Both players become free agents.

Moncada, 29, gets a $5 million buyout. Stassi, 33, who did not play this season because of injury, gets a $500,000 buyout.

Moncada was limited to 12 games in 2024 due to a left adductor strain. He rejoined the team in September after completing an injury rehab assignment but was relegated to the bench by interim manager Grady Sizemore. The Sox, who are cutting payroll after losing 121 games, knew the oft-injured Moncada’s option would not be picked up and that he didn’t figure in their future plans.

Moncada, rated by some at the time as baseball’s No. 1 prospect, was acquired from the Red Sox on December 6, 2016 as part of a five-player deal that included right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech for left-hander Chris Sale, signaling the start of a rebuild.

Moncada received a $70 million extension after hitting .315/.367/454 with 25 homers in 2019, his best season. Injuries limited him to 208 games over the last three seasons. He owns a .254/.331/.424 career batting line and .756 OPS.

Stassi underwent season-ending hip surgery on June 7.

The Sox’ 40-man roster decreases to 37.

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