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.

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