Chicago White Sox Ink Slugger Adam Dunn for Four Years $56 Million

It has been reported that free agent Slugger Adam Dunn has signed a 4-year, $56 million deal with the Chicago White Sox. This is a huge move for the White Sox, who are unsure if first baseman Paul Konerko will return next season.

It is not certain that Konerko will leave Chicago, but Adam Dunn certainly replaces Konerko's power if he does not re-sign. The deal will be finalized after Dunn takes a physical with the team. Dunn has been a big time power hitter throughout his career and he showed off his power again in 2010.

Dunn, 31, finished the 2010 season with a .260 batting average and 38 home runs. Dunn has now hit 35-plus home runs in seven straight seasons. On the flip side, Dunn is a career .250 hitter, but his power numbers have been so consistent that, overall, this is a good move for Chicago.

Whether Konerko departs or not will determine what position Dunn will play next season. He will certainly play a lot of DH, but if Konerko is not with the team, Dunn will see some time at first base. 

The White Sox' offensive production should increase significantly with Dunn in the lineup. They are getting a guy who is second in the MLB in home runs since 2004 with 282, just behind the St. Louis Cardinals' Albert Pujols.

Notable Stats:

• 354 career home runs
• 880 career RBI

Source: Bob Nightengale of USA Today via Twitter