FILE – Elvis Andrus of the Chicago White Sox bats against the Detroit Tigers during a baseball game Sept. 17, 2022 in Detroit. Andrus agreed to a one-year, $3 million contract with the White Sox. A person with knowledge of the deal confirmed the deal to The Associated Press on Sunday, Feb. 19, on condition of anonymity because the move is contingent on a successful physical test. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson, File)

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — Elvis Andrus will join the Chicago White Sox at second base.

The Venezuelan finalized a one-year, three million dollar deal on Monday. The two-time All-Star has played shortstop for most of his major league career, but will move to second when he returns to Chicago.

“The main thing for me at this stage of my career is to be able to win and compete, said Andrus. And I know this team is made for that. The boys and that influenced my decision”.

Andrus, 34, finished last season with Chicago, hitting .271 with nine home runs and 28 RBIs in 43 games after the release from Oakland.

The White Sox decided to sign him after Tim Anderson underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his left middle finger, but the star shortstop is healthy again.

Andrus has experience playing second base for special formations.

“I don’t think playing second base will be a huge challenge for me,” he said. “It’s just a matter of working and learning the tricks of the second base defense.”

Andrus also provides some security for the White Sox at shortstop, as Anderson played just 79 games last year.

The special formations allowed Andrus to learn some of the angles at second base, and the banning of such moves this season made having a player like Andrus at second base more appealing to Chicago.

“With the rule change, having someone within reach and with a strong arm and good instincts will benefit the center of the infield. We believe Elvis is delivering on his promises,” general manager Rick Hahn said. “There’s no doubt he will work to be his best and we’re excited to get started.”

Andrus “was a great spark,” said outfielder Gavin Sheets.

Andrus is hitting .270 with 96 home runs, 731 RBIs and 335 stolen bases in 14 years at the majors. The two-time All-Star came to the majors with Texas in 2009 and spent 12 seasons with Rangers before being traded to Oakland in February 2021.

The Venezuelan player’s contract includes a $1 million assignment bonus if he is traded.

Romy Gonzalez is another option at second base, and Hahn said she can play other positions.

“Convinced that Romy will help us win Chicago one way or another this season,” Hahn said.

To make room on the roster, the White Sox assigned Bennett Sousa. Sousa finished 3-0 with an 8.41 ERA in 25 appearances last year with the White Sox.

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