Chicago White Sox, Melky Cabrera agree to terms

The Chicago White Sox and Melky Cabrera have agreed to a three-year deal. This is according to Bruce Levine of Chicago’s 670 The Score. Levine reports that the deal is pending a physical. CBS Sports’ Jon Heyman relays that the deal will be for $42 million.

Cabrera batted .301/.351/.458 this past season, with 35 doubles and 16 home runs in 621 plate appearances.

Cabrera’s addition signifies a fourth splash of the offseason for the White Sox. They’ve already signed David Robertson and done the same with Adam LaRoche. After these moves, Chicago traded multiple prospects in exchange for Jeff Samardzija. These previous moves solidified the team’s pitching and added offensive pop. Cabrera adds a professional hitting dynamic and underrated power.

This move could also end Dayan Viciedo‘s stint in Chicago. The left fielder has been on the trade block since the offseason began. With Cabrera most comfortable in left, don’t be surprised if Viciedo is moved rather soon.

To go with sluggers Jose Abreu and Adam LaRoche, Cabrera should hit near the top of the order alongside Adam Eaton and Alexei Ramirez. Eaton’s a classic leadoff hitter, so manager Robin Ventura will have to decide whether to bat Ramirez or Cabrera in the two-hole. Considering the White Sox recent struggles and irrelevance, these type of decisions are good problems to have.

Chicago’s management team deserves praise for what’s been a marvelous offseason so far. With Kenny Williams using his vice presidential power, the White Sox have managed to go from an American League bottom feeder to a legitimate contender. The AL Central hasn’t exactly been a perennial powerhouse in past seasons, leaving room for shifting teams to make a push. Williams and company have seized this window and made a series of splashes.