White Sox re-sign Carlos Rodon on team-friendly deal
Carlos Rodon is returning to the White Sox after a rough 2020 campaign.
The Chicago White Sox are looking to assert their dominance in the American League Central after finally breaking a painfully long playoff drought in 2020.
Tony La Russa is in as the new manager and a few other additions have been made with the signings of Adam Eaton and Liam Hendriks. There is a talented core in place and the front office has reportedly decided to bring back a former first-round pick to see if he can salvage his career.
Carlos Rodon goes back to White Sox, pending physical.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 30, 2021
Rodon back with the White Sox
MLB insider Jon Heyman reported the one-year deal is worth only $3 million after Carlos Rodon had already been non-tendered earlier this offseason. Ken Rosenthal laid out the team’s plans with Rodon fighting for a rotation spot.
Source confirms: Free-agent LHP Carlos Rodón in agreement with White Sox on one-year, $3M contract. Plan is for him to compete with Lopez and Cease for final two rotation spots on Opening Day roster. Kopech likely to be held back initially. First: @JonHeyman, @BNightengale
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 30, 2021
It is clear the White Sox didn’t want to just give up on Rodon. He was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft and underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019. He then made four total appearances in 2020 and the 28-year-old gets a bit of a reset in 2021 now that he can be on a normal throwing plan all offseason.
Lucas Giolito, Dallas Keuchel, and Lance Lynn all sit atop the rotation. Now Rodon will be in a battle to proves he still belongs as well.
2018 was the last time Rodon threw more than 100 innings. He finished with a 4.18 ERA in 20 starts and struck-out 90 batters. All this came after he began the season on the disabled list.
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The White Sox have been waiting to see what a healthy Rodon can do. Getting him back on such a small, team-friendly deal means the White Sox could move on if he once again fails to live up to expectations. Giving up on a former top pick is tough, but the White Sox are a much better team than they were the past decade and need every roster spot to count as they hope to compete for a World Series.