It didn’t take long for new White Sox GM Rick Hahn to get some needed work done for the 2013 team. The biggest news is right-hand pitcher Jake Peavy and the team agreed to a two year contract extension worth $29 million. A third option year is worth $15 million, if Peavy pitches a certain amount of innings. The Sox starter will also get the $4 million dollar buyout from his present contract; it will be spread between 2016 -2019.

“Early on in this process, Jake expressed his strong desire to remain with the White Sox,” says Hahn, “We’re happy to reach a deal that keeps him at the top end of our rotation and his influence in our clubhouse for at least the next two years.”

Last season, 31-year-old Peavy had a come-back year after a tough injury. He made the All-star team and went 11-12 with a 3.37 ERA.

His win total would have been more if he had better run support.

“I’m really excited to come back to Chicago and build on what we did last year,” Peavy said.  “I made no secret of the fact that this is where I want to play.”

Another pitcher back in the fold for the next season is Gavin Floyd. The Sox picked up his $9.5 million contract for 2013. He was 12-11 with a 4.29 ERA. He battled elbow soreness a number of times during last season. Bench coach Mark Parent found a flaw in his mechanics that improved Floyd’s delivery.

Meanwhile, Hahn has declined offers on two players the White Sox had acquired during the playoff hunt, third baseman Kevin Youkilis and relief pitcher Brett Myers. The Sox bought out Youkilis for $1 million, his option was for $13 million and Myers had a $3 million buyout on his $10 million contract.

Youkilis did provide some initial offensive help coming from Boston, but he was not a factor down the stretch. Myers helped stabilize the bullpen, but not enough for the Sox to pick up his option.

There is still one player that there is a large question mark, catcher AJ Pierzynski. He filed for free agency and can listen to deals starting on Saturday.

The White Sox can still negotiate deals with any of these free agents, but it becomes more difficult. It seems unlikely that they will be with the Southsiders next season.