Washington - The Chicago White Sox have declined the mutual option on veteran right fielder and former World Series MVP Jermaine Dye, clearing the way for him to become a free agent. Dye will get a buyout of $950,000 instead of $12 million he could have gotten in salary next season.

Dye, the World Series MVP in 2005 for the White Sox, signed a two-year, $22 million extension late in the 2007 season. This year, the 35-year-old Dye batted .250 with 27 home runs and 81 RBI in 141 games.

Dye has also played with the Braves, Royals and Athletics. In 14 major league seasons, he has batted .274 with 325 homers and 1,072 RBIs. In five seasons with the White Sox, he batted .278 with 164 homers and 461 RBI.

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