The White Sox agreed to terms Wednesday with right-handed pitcher Dustin Hermanson on a two-year, $5.5 million contract that contains a club option for 2007.
Hermanson, who became the Giants' closer in August and saved 17 games in the stretch, was not offered arbitration by San Francisco.
Under terms of the deal, Hermanson will be paid $2 million in 2005 and $3 million in 2006 with the club holding an option for 2007 at $3.5 million. There is a buyout of $500,000.
Hermanson, 31, was 6-9 with a 4.53 ERA in 47 games, including 18 starts, with San Francisco last season.
He opened the season in the starting rotation, going 4-4 with a 4.59 ERA.
He broke in the majors in 1995 with the Padres and has also pitched with the Expos, Cardinals and Red Sox.
-I guess it's a start. He's a pretty versatile pitcher. I just hope he isn't their idea of a fifth starter.