The Chicago White Sox reportedly have agreed to a six-year, $68 million deal with 26-year-old Jose Abreu, a free-agent first-baseman from Cuba.

ESPN reports the contract marks the largest initial free-agent contract for an international player.

Abreu, who defected in August, set a home-run record during the 2010-2011 season in his home country, landing the title of league MVP.

The Astros and Red Sox also were reportedly talking with Abreu, but Chicago emerged as the frontrunner.

He is expected to succeed Paul Konerko on first base after the team captain became a free agent at the end of this season.

The deal is a bold one for the White Sox, which finished with a 63-99 record and came in last in the division for the first time in more than 20 years.

Will the move and the money pay off?