The White Sox addressed their need for an outfielder Friday, signing free agent Andrew Benintendi to a five-year, $75 million contract.
The deal, not yet announced but confirmed to the Sun-Times, surpasses the Sox’ previous high for a player contract. Catcher Yasmani Grandal is entering the fourth season of a $73 million deal.
Benintendi batted .304/.373/.399 with five homers and a .772 OPS between the Royals and Yankees in 2022. He’s a .279.351.431 with a .782 OPS and 73 homers over seven seasons during his career, which includes his first five seasons with the Red Sox.
Benintendi was a Gold Glove outfielder with the Royals in 2021 and an All-Star last season.
Benintendi provides a left-handed bat that will help balance a right-hand heavy Sox lineup, and a defensive upgrade in the outfield. He figures to fit in at left field, with prospect Oscar Colas competing for a starting job in right field next season.
Slugger Eloy Jimenez is expected to get considerable time at designated hitter, where he excelled last season.