White Sox dump Ken Griffey Jr.

CHICAGO, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox will not sign prolific home run hitter Ken Griffey Jr. for the 2009 season, the team said Thursday.

The decision means the 38-year-old outfielder becomes a free agent, free to work out a deal with the team of his choice. The possible hall of famer was dealt from Cincinnati to the White Sox at the trade deadline for pitcher Nick Masset and infielder Danny Richar.

He had a no-trade clause in his contract, but agreed to the deal for a chance to play in the World Series for the first time in his career.

In a White Sox uniform, Griffey batted .260 with three homers and 18 RBI in 41 games.

His 611 homers rank fifth in major league history, but left-knee surgery Oct. 14 may hinder him if decides to catch on with another club.

Griffey will get a $4 million buyout, split between the White Sox and the Reds.