Source says White Sox, Dunn have pending deal

Slugging first baseman Adam Dunn has agreed to join the Chicago White Sox for a four-year, $56-million contract, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press Thursday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced. If Dunn passes a physical, he could be introduced Friday at a news conference.

Dunn hit 38 home runs with 103 RBIs for Washington last season. He hit .260 and is the big, lefthanded bat the White Sox were seeking.

Even after adding Dunn, the White Sox are still hoping to re-sign Paul Konerko, who is a free agent after turning down Chicago's arbitration offer.

White Sox general manager Ken Williams said he definitely hopes to bring Konerko back and have his righthanded bat in the same lineup with Dunn. They would likely alternate at first and DH.

"Not only is there room for it, it would be the ideal fit from our perspective," Williams said. "We can't get too far ahead of ourselves."

Dunn, 31, has a career batting average of .250, with 354 homers and 880 RBIs in 10 seasons with the Reds, Diamondbacks and Nationals. He is also prolific with strikeouts and had 199 last season.

Dunn will give the White Sox the power lefty they have been missing since Jim Thome was shipped to the Dodgers at the end of the 2009 season.

It was a busy day for the White Sox. They declined to tender a contract to closer Bobby Jenks, who is second in club history with 173 saves. Jenks, 29, missed the final 27 games last season with ulnar neuritis in his right forearm. Williams said he hasn't closed the door on bringing back Jenks at a lesser salary. He made $7.5 million last year.

Foxsports.com reported last night that catcher A.J. Pierzynski is re-signing with the White Sox for a two-year, $8-million contract. Earlier in the day, the White Sox exercised a club option on shortstop Alexei Ramirez. He will earn a base salary of $2.75 million.

Varitek staying in Boston

The Red Sox are keeping captain Jason Varitek. A person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press the catcher has reached a preliminary agreement with Boston on a one-year, $2-million contract. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal is pending a physical and no announcement had been made.

Braves re-sign Hinske

Atlanta re-signed utility player Eric Hinske, 33, and said they are not offering a contract to outfielder Matt Diaz, 32 . . . Pat Burrell, 34, and the Giants have agreed to terms on a one-year contract, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed . . . The Rockies acquired infielder Jose Lopez from the Mariners for righthander Chaz Roe. - AP