CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a four-year contract extension with shortstop Alexei Ramirez, a major league source told ESPNChicago.com’s Doug Padilla.

The source said the deal won’t become official until the completion of a physical.

A report in Miami’s El Nuevo Herald, however, said the contract is for $32.5 million and includes an option for a fifth year.

In December, the White Sox exercised Ramirez’s $2.75 million option for 2011.

Ramirez led American League shortstops this past season in batting average (.282), slugging percentage (.431), home runs (18) and total bases (252). He is the first shortstop in White Sox history to win a Silver Slugger Award.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

CHICAGO — The Chicago White Sox have agreed to a four-year contract extension with shortstop Alexei Ramirez, a major league source told ESPNChicago.com’s Doug Padilla.

The source said the deal won’t become official until the completion of a physical.

A report in Miami’s El Nuevo Herald, however, said the contract is for $32.5 million and includes an option for a fifth year.

In December, the White Sox exercised Ramirez’s $2.75 million option for 2011.

Ramirez led American League shortstops this past season in batting average (.282), slugging percentage (.431), home runs (18) and total bases (252). He is the first shortstop in White Sox history to win a Silver Slugger Award.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

The Chicago White Sox and infielder Alexei Ramirez have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $32.5 million contract extension.

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) – The Chicago White Sox and infielder Alexei Ramirez have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $32.5 million contract extension.

According to MLB.com, the deal also includes an option for a fifth year that would pay the shortstop/second baseman $10 million.

Ramirez hit .282 with 18 home runs and 70 runs batted in last season.

The 29-year-old opted out of his $1.1 million option for the 2011 season on December 1, the day before the White Sox picked up their club option for $2.75 million for the upcoming season.

In three years in the big-leagues covering 440 games, Ramirez has hit .283 with 54 home runs, 215 RBI and a .430 slugging percentage — to go along with 40 steals, though he has also been caught 22 times.

© 2011 The Sports Network

The Chicago White Sox and infielder Alexei Ramirez have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $32.5 million contract extension.

Chicago, IL (Sports Network) – The Chicago White Sox and infielder Alexei Ramirez have reportedly agreed to a four-year, $32.5 million contract extension.

According to MLB.com, the deal also includes an option for a fifth year that would pay the shortstop/second baseman $10 million.

Ramirez hit .282 with 18 home runs and 70 runs batted in last season.

The 29-year-old opted out of his $1.1 million option for the 2011 season on December 1, the day before the White Sox picked up their club option for $2.75 million for the upcoming season.

In three years in the big-leagues covering 440 games, Ramirez has hit .283 with 54 home runs, 215 RBI and a .430 slugging percentage — to go along with 40 steals, though he has also been caught 22 times.

© 2011 The Sports Network

Another journeyman starter could be on his way to the Bronx as spring training nears.

Rather than returning to the Chicago White Sox, Freddy Garcia reportedly wishes to play for the New York Yankees this upcoming season.

“My preference is to be with the New York Yankees, and it’s not unreasonable to have that in mind, because I’ve demonstrated that I can be useful,” Garcia said, according to the Venezuelan paper, Meridiano.

“A team like New York would be ideal for my age, [as would ] playing in a successful, media-heavy, demanding division. Without doubt it would be an inspiration.”

The Yankees are definitely in need of starting pitching, especially a number five starter, and Garcia could certainly serve in that role.

Last year, Garcia had a 12-6 record with a 4.64 ERA and 157.0 innings pitched in his first full, healthy season since 2006.

However, he has not been impressive since his 2001 season, in which he had an 18-6 record with a 3.05 ERA for the Seattle Mariners.

Freddy Garcia(notes), 34, has struck out 1,390 batters since entering the league in 1999. Since then, he’s played for four teams, including two stints with the Chicago White Sox.

ESPN reports that he may be getting a third go-round with the Sox. The team has interest in bringing back the man who went 12-6 with a 4.64 ERA for it last year. The site notes that the New York Yankees and Baltimore Orioles reportedly had interest in Garcia as well.

Garcia told Venezuelan Spanish-language newspaper Meridiano, “My preference is to be with the New York Yankees, and it’s not unreasonable to have that in mind, because I’ve demonstrated that I can be useful,” according to a translation by MLBTradeRumors.com. “A team like New York would be ideal for my age, [as would] playing in a successful, media-heavy, demanding division. Without doubt it would be an inspiration.”

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Source: ESPNMeridiano

Related: Baltimore Orioles, Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees