A couple of weeks ago, the Detroit Tigers were reportedly in “serious talks” with free agent slugger Adam Dunn. But whether it was because Dunn didn’t want to be a full-time designated hitter or he and the Tigers couldn’t come to agreement on a contract, those talks fell through. Detroit, of course, went on to sign Victor Martinez.
But the Tigers will still see plenty of Dunn next season, as he’s agreed to a contract with the Chicago White Sox. The deal is for four years, worth $56 million, and the signing will become official pending a physical. (The White Sox tried to get Dunn last season at the trade deadline, presumably for former Tiger Edwin Jackson, but a deal couldn't be worked out.)
So Martinez ends up being a cheaper signing for the Tigers, as Dunn will be paid $14 million per season – or $1.5 million more than Detroit will pay Martinez. Dunn provides more sheer power, hitting 38 or more home runs over the past seven seasons. But Martinez gives the Tigers more versatility by being able to play catcher, as well as first base.
(Detroit may want to look a bit more seriously at getting a good left-handed reliever with Dunn now in the division. Of course, that would've already been a good idea with Joe Mauer and Justin Morneau in the Minnesota Twins' lineup.)
Reportedly, this doesn't mean that Paul Konerko's career with the White Sox is over. The team is still interested in re-signing him and would alternate Konerko and Dunn between first base and DH.