Boston picks up Sale’s option

The Red Sox have exercised their $15 million option for next season on ace left-hander Chris Sale.

Sale will earn $15 million in the final season of a five-year contract he signed with the Chicago White Sox before the 2013 season that guaranteed $32.5 million, including a 2017 option buyout.

He had a $12.5 million salary this season in the first of two option years and will wind up earning $59 million over seven seasons plus award bonuses.

Sale can become a free agent after the 2019 World Series.

In addition, infielder Eduardo Nunez exercised

his $5 million player option rather than become a free agent.

The 2017 AL Cy Young Award runner-up and a seven-time All-Star, Sale struck out the side in the ninth inning of World Series Game 5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers to close out Boston’s fourth championship in 15 seasons.

In other news:

Jason Hammel’s $12 million mutual option has been declined by the Royals, who will pay the 36year-old right-hander a $2 million buyout. Hammel set a career high for losses, going 4-14 with a 6.02 ERA in 18 starts and 21 relief appearances.

Brewers third baseman Mike Moustakas declined a $15 million mutual option. Moustakas, 30, had a .251 average with 28 homers and 95 RBIs.

The Mariners declined their part of outfielder

Denard Span’s $12 million mutual option for next year in favor of a $4 million buyout, making the 34-year-old a free agent.