White Sox Sign Free Agent Catcher Yasmani Grandal to Richest Contract in Franchise History

While various reports stated that the MLB free agent market had yet to pick up, the catcher position remains the exception.

A premium position in today's game, a reliable backstop can provide much-needed support to the pitching staff, not to mention his importance in keeping runners off the basepaths. Thankfully for the White Sox, Yasmani Grandal provides both of those attributes, and a decent power bat to boot.

The South Siders have signed the former All-Star catcher to a four-year deal worth $73 million in the biggest splash to date this winter.

OFFICIAL: The #WhiteSox have agreed to terms on a four-year, $73-million contract with free agent All-Star catcher Yasmani Grandal (@YazmanianDVL08). Under terms of the agreement, Grandal will receive $18.25 million per year from 2020-2023. pic.twitter.com/dczzZo8UTE
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) November 21, 2019

Grandal signed a one-year "prove it" deal with the Brewers last season, making the All-Star Game in the process. The 31-year-old hit .248 but provided overwhelming power for the position, hitting 28 home runs paired with 77 RBI.

White Sox GM Kenny Williams stated the team was going to do things a little differently this offseason, hoping to pair some veteran talent to go along with their up-and-coming ball-club, still stacked with talent in the minor leagues thanks to the Adam Eaton and Chris Sale trades.

Yasmani Grandal is headed to the Chicago White Sox on a four-year, $73 million deal. That's the biggest contract in the history of the franchise.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) November 21, 2019

Grandal commanded a significant price, and this sets the market at the position, with Robinson Chirinos perhaps next up.