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White Sox sign LaRoche to two-year, $25 million deal

After signing free-agent relief pitcher Zach Duke to a three-year, $15 million contract on Tuesday, White Sox general manager Rick Hahn vowed to keep making improvements.

"We're real pleased with this, but we're on to the next one now," Hahn said. "We're very happy today, but once this (conference) call is over we'll get back on the phone."

Clearly motivated by back-to-back losing seasons, Hahn's next call went to free-agent Adam LaRoche. First reported by USA Today Friday night and confirmed by a source, the Sox and LaRoche agreed on a two-year, $25 million contract.

The signing won't become official until LaRoche passes a physical and the Sox clear a spot on their 40-man roster.

LaRoche is the left-handed power bat the Sox need.

With the Washington Nationals last season, the 6-foot-3, 215-pounder had a .259/.362/.455 hitting line for the NL East champions along with 26 home runs and 92 RBI - both team highs.

LaRoche, who turned 35 on Nov. 6, also drew 82 walks, a career high, and his 108 strikeouts (in 494 at-bats) were the fewest in a full season since 2005.

The White Sox have needed a left-handed hitter since Adam Dunn was traded to the Oakland A's in late August.

LaRoche is almost certain to slip into the Sox' cleanup spot, where he fits between Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia.

Over 11 major-league seasons with the Braves, Pirates, Red Sox, Diamondbacks and Nationals, LaRoche is a .264 hitter with 243 home runs and 838 RBI.

In 5 career games at U.S. Cellular Field, LaRoche is 2-for-20 with no homers or RBI.

According to the Miami Herald, the Marlins offered LaRoche a two-year, $20 million contract on Wednesday.

Considering he has spent the bulk of his career in the National League, LaRoche is used to playing first base.

But much like Dunn, who also played for the Nationals before signing with the White Sox prior to the 2011 season, LaRoche is likely going to be the regular designated hitter.

Abreu prefers playing first base, as he mentioned in late May.

"DH is something I don't really like doing," said Abreu, the unanimous AL Rookie of the Year after batting .317 with 36 homers and 107 RBI. "Obviously, those decisions are meant for the manager, but me personally, I don't like DHing."

Even with LaRoche and Duke in the fold, look for the Sox to continue adding veteran talent.

According to the Arizona Republic, the White Sox are one of three teams that have expressed an interest in trading for Diamondbacks catcher Miguel Montero.

A two-time all-star, Montero batted .243 with 13 home runs and 72 RBI in 136 games for Arizona last season.

The Sox are also rumored to be interested in free-agent outfielder Melky Cabrera, who would replace Dayan Viciedo in left.

A switch-hitter who was suspended for 50 games after testing positive for testosterone in 2012, Cabrera batted .301 with 16 home runs and 73 RBI with the Blue Jays last season.

Washington Nationals first baseman Adam LaRoche (25) bats during a baseball game against the Miami Marlins at Nationals Park, Saturday, Sept. 27, 2014, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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