Navarro Joins Chisox For $20 Million Contract

Jaime Navarro, who had consecutive winning seasons for the Chicago Cubs after struggling with Milwaukee, went across town Wednesday and agreed to a $20 million, four-year contract with the White Sox.

The White Sox moved quickly to shore up their pitching, signing Navarro just two days after Alex Fernandez left for a $35 million, five-year contract with the Florida Marlins.

The White Sox also re-signed reliever Tony Castillo, agreeing to a $2.35 million, two-year contract.

Navarro, a 28-year-old right-hander, was 15-12 with a 3.92 ERA last season following a 14-6 record and 3.28 ERA in 1995. He was disappointed with the Cubs’ offer and seized the opportunity when Fernandez left the White Sox.

The New York Yankees got a pitcher, too, giving a $5.45 million, three-year contract to left-landed reliever Mike Stanton. The Yankees still are interested in Roger Clemens and David Wells, and hope to keep John Wetteland.

Stanton, 29, gives the Yankees another arm in case Wetteland doesn’t return and Mariano Rivera becomes the closer.

Philadelphia added a pair of pitchers, giving Mark Portugal a $5 million, two-year contract and Mark Leiter a $4.3 million, two-year deal.

In a deal announced Wednesday night, Mark McLemore agreed to a three-year contract with the Texas Rangers.