In a move that was expected, the Yankees have declined the $20 million option on Edwin Encarnacion for the 2020 season, making him a free agent.

The option for 2020 contained a $5 million buyout.

The 36-year-old Encarnacion was acquired by the Yankees from the Mariners in June in exchange for 19-year-old right-handed pitching prospect Juan Then. The Mariners also paid down a significant portion of Encarnacion's remaining salary for 2019.

Encarnacion hit extremely well in 44 regular season games for the Yankees after the trade, hitting .249/.325/.531 with 13 homers.

However, while he performed well with the Yanks, Encarnacion dealt with wrist and oblique injuries that limited him. He hit well in the Yankees' ALDS win over the Twins but struggled badly in the ALCS as the Yanks fell to the Astros in six games.

In the ALCS, Encarnacion had just one hit in 18 at-bats as he was forced into nearly full-time DH duty due to Giancarlo Stanton's injury.

With the Encarnacion decision done, the Yankees' next big decision will revolve around Didi Gregorius. The Yanks have until Monday to decide whether or not to extend a qualifying offer.

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