The Chicago White Sox officially announced the signing of Cuban slugger Jose Abreu in a press release Tuesday.
White Sox officially announce signing of Jose Abreu
Abreu’s deal easily tops that of the Dodgers’ Yasiel Puig for the largest by an international free agent.
More White Sox and Abreu: South Side Sox: Abreu signed
General manager Rick Hahn was quoted in the release: “We are very excited to add a talent like Jose to our roster for the next several years. His skill set should translate very well to our ballpark, and we expect him to be a part of successful White Sox teams throughout his time in Chicago.”
The team also gave the official contract deals of Abreu's six year, $68 million contract. He will make $7 million in both 2014 and 2015, $10 million in 2016, $10.5 million in 2017, $11.5 million in 2018 and $12 million in 2019. He also received a $10 million signing bonus. The contract is the largest ever given to an international player, beating out Yasiel Puig's $42 million deal with the Dodgers.
Eight teams made an official offer to Abreu, who was declared a free agent by the MLB. Five of those surpassed the $60 million mark. Along with the White Sox, the Rockies, Red Sox, Rangers and Astros are all known to have made an offer.
Abreu hit .382/.535/.735 with 13 home runs in 42 games during the Cuban Serie Nacional league 2012-13 season. He is the only player to beat out Alfredo Despaigne for a Cuban MVP award in the past four years and the second former Cuban MVP to ever sign in the MLB.
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