Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The Chicago White Sox on Tuesday signed free-
agent outfielder Kosuke Fukudome to one-year contract with a club option for
the 2013 season.
Under terms of the deal, Fukudome will receive $500,000 in 2012, while the Sox
hold a $3.5-millon option for 2013, including a $500,000 buyout.
Fukudome combined to hit .262 with 27 doubles, eight home runs, 35 RBI and 59
runs scored in 146 games between the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland in 2011.
"Kosuke adds to our outfield depth and gives [manager] Robin [Ventura] another
left-handed bat to mix into the lineup based on matchups," said White Sox
assistant general manager Rick Hahn in a statement. "He can play center field
and right and provides flexibility to our roster."
The 34-year-old left-handed hitter has appeared in 572 career games with the
Cubs (2008-11) and Cleveland (2011), posting a .260 average with 110 doubles,
42 home runs, 191 RBI and 262 runs scored.
Prior to his MLB career, Fukudome played nine seasons with Chunichi of the
Japanese Central League (1999-2007).
The Sports Network