Rosenthal: White Sox to sign Abreu, 6 years/$68 million

Reports are coming in that the Chicago White Sox are finishing up a deal with Jose Abreu.

Jose Abreu finalizing terms on six-year, $68M deal. Club expected to be #WhiteSox. Deal will be largest first-time contract for int’l player

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) October 18, 2013

This contact will dwarf the six-year, $42 million deal that the Dodgers gave Yasiel Puig last summer.  Based on a tweet from Peter Gammons, the White Sox well exceeded the bid from the Red Sox, one of the other leading contenders mentioned earlier today, and turned out to nearly match the amounts mentioned above.

Gist of opinion is white sox over Astros at $70m for Abreu. Boston went above $40m

— Peter Gammons (@pgammo) October 17, 2013

So far, everything is silent from the Sox, but we'll keep you updated as soon as something is finalized.  In the meantime, the victory laps can probably begin...

UNLESS: Rangers MLB.com beat writer T.R. Sullivan isn't late to the game:

The Rangers are definitely making a push for Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu. The are indications that Abreu is close to a decision and the Rangers could end up getting him. The White Sox are also hot after him but one source familiar with the negotiations said the Rangers are expected to land him.

MEANWHILE: Dallas Morning News columnist Evan Grant has weighed in:

As interested as #Rangers are in Abreu, I'm hearing White Sox are still expected to get him at $68 million.

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) October 18, 2013

UPDATE (10:14): The Rangers' late charge apparently failed.

Sources confirm @Ken_Rosenthal's report: Abreu 6 years, $68 million pending physical with CWS. #Astros & #RedSox were also in hunt today.

— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) October 18, 2013