Slugger Adam Dunn has officially joined the White Sox, giving them the big left-handed hitter they were seeking.

The White Sox announced the deal yesterday, a day after word came that he had agreed to a four-year, $56 million contract. Dunn, who batted .260 with 38 home runs with 103 RBIs for Washington last season, will earn $12 million next season.

Besides landing Dunn, the White Sox also announced free-agent catcher A.J. Pierzynski agreed to a two-year, $8 million deal and is staying put.

RED SOX:
Boston chose not to tender a contract to reliever Hideki Okajima, but did tender contracts to the other 21 unsigned players on their roster, including closer Jonathan Papelbon, according to ESPN.com. Papelbon is in his final year of arbitriation eligibility, and will become a free agent following the 2011 season.

The Red Sox are reportedly one of at least three teams talking with the Padres about acquiring hard-hitting first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, according to SI.com.

PIRATES:
Pittsburgh didn’t tender an offer to former Mets prospect Lastings Milledge, who lost his job as a starting outfielder last season due to a lack of power.

DODGERS:
Los Angeles has re-signed catcher Rod Barajas to a one-year contract. The Dodgers announced the deal after deciding not to offer a contract for next season to catcher Russell Martin. Barajas finished last season strong after the Dodgers claimed him from the Mets on Aug. 22, batting .297 with five homers and 13 RBIs in 25 games.

BRAVES:
Seeking a veteran for their bullpen, Atlanta acquired right-hander Scott Linebrink from the White Sox in exchange for minor league right-hander Kyle Cofield.

PADRES:
San Diego hired former Diamondbacks general manager Josh Byrnes as senior vice president for baseball operations. Also, two people familiar with the situation told the AP right-hander Aaron Harang has agreed to a one-year deal with the Padres.