White Sox trade Welington Castillo; Jose Abreu declares free agency

The White Sox traded catcher Welington Castillo and an international signing bonus pool slot to the Rangers for low-level minor league infielder/outfielder Jonah McReynolds.

The Sox were not picking up Castillo’s club option for 2020 after two disappointing seasons. The Rangers are not expected to pick up Castillo’s $8 million option, either.

Also, All-Star first baseman Jose Abreu, right-hander Ivan Nova and left-handers Hector Santiago and Ross Detwiler declared free agency, as expected. The Sox and Abreu are expected to work out a deal that will keep the American League RBI leader in Chicago.

The Sox also parted ways with lefty Josh Osich, who was claimed off waivers by the Red Sox when he was outrighted to Class AAA Charlotte Thursday.

McReynolds, a 23-year-old former 13th-round draft pick, batted .239 with six home runs over 56 games with Advanced Rookie Spokane last season.

With a $500,000 buyout for 2020 on Castillo’s contract, the Rangers are expected to buy him out. The international slot is $250,000. The Sox save $500,000 of payroll in favor of giving up the international money.

The Sox 40-man roster decreased to 32 following the moves.