White Sox captain Paul Konerko will return to play next season.

The six-time All-Star will remain with Chicago on a one-year, $2.5 million contract, with $1 million of it deferred until 2021. Under terms of his previous contract, signed in December 2010, Konerko is to receive $1 million annually from 2014-20.

"Paul Konerko has been an extremely important member of our lineup and presence in our clubhouse since his arrival in Chicago," White Sox senior vice president and general manager Rick Hahn said. "Paul needed time this fall to step away, think about his situation, and reach his own conclusions. We are very pleased that he has decided to come back for another season.

"As [manager] Robin Ventura and I discussed with him when we met in November, Paul will play an important role on the 2014 team by collecting at-bats as the designated hitter against certain left-handed pitching, by assisting Jose Abreu's transition into the role of primary first baseman, as an option for Robin off the bench in specific game situations, and as an incredibly important mentor and leader within our clubhouse."

Abreu is a 26-year-old Cuban defector who signed a six-year contract with the White Sox in October.

"I'm looking forward to coming back in a new role where I can help both the organization and my teammates get turned around in the right direction and also do some productive things on the field," Konerko said.