Done deal: Rodon back with Chicago White Sox

Carlos Rodon is officially back with the White Sox.

After being non-tendered in early December, the 28-year-old pitcher was free to sign with another team.

Rodon wound up agreeing Monday to a one-year, $3 million contract. The left-hander will compete for a spot at the back end of the starting rotation.

If he loses out to a group that includes Dylan Cease, Reynaldo Lopez, Michael Kopech and possibly Garrett Crochet, Rodon could be used out of the bullpen.

To clear a spot for Rodon on the 40-man roster, the White Sox designated right-handed pitcher Emilio Vargas for assignment.

Claimed off waivers from Arizona in November, the 24-year-old Vargas was a combined 5-5 with a 3.84 ERA over 20 starts with Class AA Jackson and the Arizona Rookie League Diamondbacks in 2019.

Rodon had shoulder surgery in 2017 and Tommy John surgery in 2019.

The No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 draft, Rodon was sidelined for most of last season with a sore shoulder. In four games (2 starts), he was 0-2 with an 8.22 ERA.