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Alexei Ramirez becomes free agent after White Sox decline option

Alexei Ramirez will test the free agency waters after eight years with the Chicago White Sox.
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The Chicago White Sox have declined a $10 million option on shortstop Alexei Ramirez for 2016 and opted to pay a $1 million buyout to make him a free agent, the team announced Wednesday.

Ramirez, 34, has spent his entire eight-year career with the White Sox after signing as an amateur free agent from Cuba in 2008.

He finished last season with a .249 batting average to go with his 33 doubles, 10 home runs, 62 RBIs and 17 stolen bases in 154 games.

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Ramirez is a two-time Silver Slugger award winner and was a finalist for a Gold Glove in 2014. His has hit for a career .273 batting average with 109 home runs, 1,272 hits and 542 RBIs.

The White Sox may be looking for a temporary option at shortstop as they await the major league debut of prospect Tim Anderson, who played in Double A this season.

- Christopher Chavez