White Sox sign David Robertson to four-year, $46 million deal

SAN DIEGO -- The White Sox have agreed to a four-year, $46 million contract with reliever David Robertson, as first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today. The deal includes a partial no-trade clause, according to a report from Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News.

The addition of Robertson marks the second major acquisition of the night for the White Sox, who are reportedly in agreement with the Athletics on a deal that will send Jeff Samardzija to Chicago. The South Siders already added Adam LaRoche and Zach Duke on multi-year deals last month, making many in the game believe that they are looking to contend in 2015.

Robertson, who turned down the Yankees' qualifying offer after the season, also drew significant interest from the Astros and Yankees before late word came that the White Sox were serious players. The 29-year old was said to be looking for a contract in the four-year, $50 million range, so he came close to his asking price with today's deal.

Robertson will take over for Jake Petricka as the team's closer, joining Petricka, Duke, Nate Jones, Javy Guerra, Daniel Webb and Zach Putnam in Chicago's bullpen mix. The team prioritized bullpen help this winter, striking early to sign both Robertson and Duke for a combined $61 million.

In seven seasons for the Yankees, Robertson posted a 25-19 record and 2.81 ERA in 402 appearances while notching 47 saves. His signing will likely get the ball rolling in the bullpen market, with names such as Sergio Romo and Luke Gregerson among the next to potentially sign at the Winter Meetings.