The team announced that he will receive $500,000 this season. The White Sox have a $3.5 million option for 2013 with a $500,000 buyout.
“Kosuke adds to our outfield depth and gives (manager) Robin (Ventura) another left-handed bat to mix into the lineup based on matchups,” Rick Hahn, White Sox vice president/assistant general manager, said in a statement. “He can play center field and right and provides flexibility to our roster.”
The Cubs signed the former Japanese League MVP before the 2008 season to a four-year, $48 million deal. He made the All-Star team his rookie year, but his fast start tailed off and he ended up hitting .257 with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs that season. Those numbers would remain consistent, and the Cubs traded Fukudome to the Indians in July for a couple of minor leaguers. Between the teams he hit.262 with eight homers and 35 RBIs last season.
The White Sox have been pretty quiet on the free-agent front this offseason, the first after manager Ozzie Guillen left for the Marlins and was replaced by Ventura. Left-hander Scott Olsen and outfielder Delwyn Young are the highest profile signings.
The White Sox traded outfielder Carlos Quentin to the Padres for prospects and dealt closer Sergio Santos and reliever Jason Frasor to the Blue Jays for more prospects.
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