MLB: Konerko gets $37.5M, 3-year contract with ChiSox

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (AP) - Paul Konerko has decided to stay with the Chicago White Sox, agreeing to a $37.5 million, three-year contract.

The first baseman, a four-time All-Star, gets $12 million in each of the next two seasons and $13.5 million in 2013 under Wednesday's agreement. In the final year, $7 million will be deferred and paid annually in $1 million installments from 2014-20.

The 34-year-old was fifth in voting for AL MVP this year after hitting .312 with 39 homers and 111 RBIs. He'll be part of a lineup that now includes slugger Adam Dunn, recently signed to a $56 million, four-year deal.

"We have made no secret of the fact that re-signing Paul Konerko was our top offseason priority," White Sox general manager Kenny Williams said. "PaulÈs value to the organization on the field and in the clubhouse can never be overstated. He is one of the greatest players in franchise history, and we hope he finishes his career in a White Sox uniform."

Konerko was acquired from Cincinnati after the 1998 season and helped the White Sox win the 2005 World Series. He ranks second to Frank Thomas in team history with 358 career home runs, 1,127 RBI and 701 extra-base hits.