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With a proposed trade of Magglio Ordonez on the backburner, the Chicago White Sox turned their attention to another one of their outfielders, signing Carlos Lee to a two-year, $15 million contract.
Lee and lefthanded reliever Kelly Wunsch - who signed a one-year deal for $800,000 - both avoided arbitration.
The 27-year-old
Lee hit .291 with 31 homers and 113 RBI in 2003, setting career highs in almost
every offensive category. He had 35 doubles, scored 100 runs and stole 18 bases.
He led the team in RBI and stolen bases.
A career .284 hitter in parts of four seasons, Lee has 121 homers and 453 RBI
in 727 games. His deal contains an $8.5 million club option for 2006 with a
$500,000 buyout.
Lee's continued production in the outfield could be a factor if Chicago can trade right fielder Ordonez to the Boston Red Sox for shortstop Nomar Garciaparra. That deal is contingent upon Boston acquiring Alex Rodriguez from Texas.
The 31-year-old Wunsch was 0-0 with a 2.75 ERA in 43 games for the White Sox in 2003. He led American League relievers in opponents batting average against (.139) and is 10-5 with a 3.69 ERA in parts of four seasons with Chicago.
Lefthanded reliever Scott Schoeneweis is the lone Chicago player eligible for arbitration.