Oct 30, 2008 - 2:28 PM
CHICAGO (Ticker) -- If Ken Griffey Jr. decides to return for a 20th season, the future Hall of Famer will test free agency.
The Chicago White Sox on Thursday declined the club option for 2009 on the contract of the 38-year-old Griffey, who ranks fifth all-time with 611 career home runs.
Chicago also declined the 2009 option of catcher Toby Hall and agreed to terms with outfielder Jayson Nix, who spent last season in the Colorado Rockies' organization.
Griffey was acquired by Chicago on July 31 from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar. The outfielder combined to hit .249 with 18 homers and 71 RBI last season with the White Sox and Reds.
Known as one of the greatest players of this generation, Griffey ranks among the all-time leaders in many offensive categories.
The 13-time All Star and 1997 American League MVP ranks 10th with 1,152 extra-base hits, 15th with 5,092 total bases, 18th with 1,772 RBI and 30th with 1,613 runs scored.