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Levine: White Sox Sign Closer David Robertson

By Bruce Levine-

(CBS) The White Sox have signed free agent closer David Robertson to a four-year deal reported by USA Today's Bob Nightengale to be worth $46 million.

The Robertson deal was expected to be just a piece of the day's news for the team. The White Sox are expected to trade a package of young players for right-handed starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija on Tuesday.

Robertson, 29, had 39 saves for the Yankees in 2014 after taking over the closer's role left behind by Mariano Rivera. Robertson was the primary setup man for Rivera prior to last season, garnering a 2.81 ERA over his career in New York.

The White Sox had a 4.38 bullpen ERA last season, the the third-worst in baseball.

Samardzija will be slotted in the rotation behind Chris Sale and in front of Jose Quintana.

The White Sox have spent $78 million on three free agent players in the last two weeks.

Samardzija is expected to earn $10 million in his final year of arbitration next season. He will be a free agent after the 2015 season. The new additions will cost Chicago $36 million next season ($11 million for Adam LaRoche, $10 million for Samardzija, $10 million for Robertson, and $5 million for Zach Duke).

The White Sox might not be finished with revamping their team. Multiple clubs have asked about shortstop Alexei Ramirez and outfielder Dayan Viciedo. The Dodgers and New York Mets are looking for a shortstop. The Mariners have always been fond of Viciedo and are looking for a right-handed RBI bat.

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