Reports: White Sox agree to deal with former Cubs reliever Steve Cishek

Former Cubs reliever Steve Cishek reportedly is taking his talents to the other side of town.

The White Sox and Cishek agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth a guaranteed $6 million, ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported Tuesday.

The agreement will pay Cishek $5.25 million in 2020 and features a club option worth $6.75 million in 2021. Cishek will get a $750,000 buyout if the Sox choose not to pick up their option, MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand reported.

The Sox haven’t announced the deal.

Cishek, who has a 2.69 career ERA in 10 major-league seasons, was one of the stronger free-agent relievers left on the market. He has had an ERA below 3.00 in each of the last four seasons.

The 33-year-old right-hander spent the last two seasons being the workhorse of the Cubs’ bullpen. In 2019, Cishek — who missed some time with inflammation in his left hip — had seven saves and posted a 2.95 ERA in 70 appearances spanning 64 innings.

Cishek solidifies the back end of the Sox’ bullpen, which also features returnees Alex Colome and Aaron Bummer. Colome had 30 saves and a 2.80 ERA in 61 innings, and Bummer had a 2.13 ERA in 67‰ innings last season.

Cishek’s deal is the latest move in what has been a productive offseason for the Sox, who seem to be turning the corner after three years of rebuilding.

The Sox started the offseason by adding skilled pitch-framer Yasmani Grandal on a four-year, $73 million deal, then acquired 24-year-old right fielder Nomar Mazara from the Rangers for Class A outfield prospect Steele Walker.

The Sox also added stability to a promising, but mostly unproven, rotation by signing left-handers Dallas Keuchel (three years, $55.5 million) and Gio Gonzalez (one year, $5 million) and bolstered their lineup with designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (one year, $11 million, plus a $1 million bonus).

The Sox also took care of some in-house business by re-signing first baseman Jose Abreu for three years and $50 million and signing prized outfield prospect Luis Robert to a six-year, $50 million deal. The expectation is that Robert will be in the Sox’ Opening Day lineup.

In total, the Sox have spent $201.5 million in guaranteed money on free agents this offseason. Their estimated payroll budget for 2020 is around $120 million.