GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — All-Star reliever Matt Thornton has agreed to a new $12 million, two-year deal with the Chicago White Sox that extends his contract through the 2013 season.
Thornton went 5-4 with a 2.67 ERA and a career-high eight saves last season. The 34-year-old left-hander struck out 81 in 60 2-3 innings to become the first White Sox reliever to lead the AL in Ks since Keith Foulke in 1999.
Thornton’s new deal includes a $6 million club option for the 2014 season, with a $1 million buyout. He will make $5.5 Million in 2012 and 2013.
The 6-foot-6, 235-pound Thornton has a base salary of $3 million for this season, the final one under his current contract.
The White Sox announced the agreement on Sunday.
