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Chicago White Sox sign All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal to four-year deal

By Connor Grott
Former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal agreed to a four-year, $73 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. It is the biggest contract in franchise history. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI
Former Milwaukee Brewers catcher Yasmani Grandal agreed to a four-year, $73 million contract with the Chicago White Sox. It is the biggest contract in franchise history. File Photo by Kamil Krzaczynski/UPI | License Photo

Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The Chicago White Sox agreed to terms with free-agent catcher Yasmani Grandal on a long-term contract, the team announced Thursday.

The White Sox reached an agreement with Grandal on a four-year, $73 million deal, according to the team. The All-Star catcher will receive $18.25 million per season through 2023, making it the largest contract in White Sox franchise history.

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The team announced that outfielder Daniel Palka was designated for assignment in a corresponding roster move.

"Obviously [an] exciting day for us around here, being able to add one of the elite talents at a premium position," White Sox general manager Rick Hahn told reporters. "Someone who is going to improve not only our offensive approach but a significant assist to us defensively, both in terms of what he does behind the plate but also what he does with our young and growing pitching staff."

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I wanted to thank the Milwaukee Brewers organization and the fans. You guys took my family and I in with open arms and made it a very special year. We are grateful for all the love you showed us. Thank you...

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Last off-season, Grandal rejected a $17.9 million qualifying offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers and turned down a four-year, $60 million contract from the New York Mets. He bet on himself to have a career year and instead signed a one-year, $18.25 million deal with the Milwaukee Brewers in January 2019.

Grandal posted career highs in home runs (28) and RBIs (77) and made his second All-Star appearance this season. He also led all MLB catchers in games played (153) and ranked second in extra-base hits (56), total bases (240) and RBIs.

After the season, Grandal declined to exercise his half of a $16 million mutual option with the Brewers for the 2020 campaign, with a $2.25 million buyout, to become a free agent.

Grandal, who tops all major league catchers with 117 homers since 2015, has a career .241 batting average with 141 home runs and 416 RBIs across eight seasons with the Brewers, Dodgers and San Diego Padres.

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