Former New York Mets starting pitcher Chris Flexen (64) Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
In a significant move, the White Sox sign Chris Flexen, a right-handed pitcher. The Chicago White Sox have reportedly agreed on a one-year contract with Chris Flexen, worth $1.75 million. This contract also includes the potential for an additional $1 million in incentives.
This signing adds to the team’s depth in the rotation and presents a rebound opportunity for Flexen after a challenging 2023 season.
A Frustrating 2023 Season
Flexen’s 2023 campaign was far from ideal, with a disappointing performance that led to his designation for assignment by the Seattle Mariners and subsequent trade to the New York Mets.
He struggled with significant home run issues, resulting in a high ERA of 7.71 in 42 innings with the Mariners.
The Mets, however, only had interest in acquiring reliever Trevor Gott from the deal and promptly released Flexen.
The pitcher then signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies and eventually made his return to the majors after two starts in Triple-A. However, the challenges continued for Flexen, as he posted a 6.27 ERA over 60 1/3 innings with the Rockies, bringing his combined ERA for the season to 6.86.
His home run rate of 2.20 per nine innings was the highest in the league among pitchers with at least 100 innings pitched.
Previous Success with the Mariners
Despite Flexen’s struggles in 2023, his performance in the preceding two years with the Seattle Mariners showcased his potential as an effective pitcher.
Initially signed to a two-year, $4.5 million deal by the Mariners, Flexen compiled a 3.66 ERA while starting 53 of his 64 appearances.
Although his strikeout rate of 16.5% was below average, he demonstrated good control and a better ability to limit home runs.
The White Sox’s Outlook and Payroll
The White Sox are focusing on strengthening their roster for the upcoming season, following a disappointing 2023 season where they finished with a 61-101 record and secured the fourth position in the AL Central.
While their payroll is currently around $150 million, which is lower than the previous year’s Opening Day mark of $181 million, they continue to work on rebuilding the team.
Adding Depth to the White Sox Rotation
With the signing of Flexen, the Chicago White Sox are taking a low-cost flier on the right-hander, continuing their offseason strategy of acquiring inexpensive depth options.
General Manager Chris Getz has made several other one-year deals, including signings of Tim Hill, Paul DeJong, and Martín Maldonado, as well as a trade for catcher Max Stassi.
The only multi-year acquisition thus far has been the return of Erick Fedde from the KBO on a two-year, $15 million deal.
The White Sox rotation currently features Dylan Cease as the potential Opening Day starter, although there have been rumors of a possible trade involving him.
Michael Kopech and Michael Soroka are expected to fill middle-of-the-rotation roles, while prospects Jared Shuster, Jesse Scholtens, and Touki Toussaint will be in contention for back-end rotation spots.
Conclusion
The signing of Chris Flexen by the Chicago White Sox presents a rebound opportunity for the right-handed pitcher after a challenging 2023 season.
Despite his struggles, Flexen had shown promise in previous years with the Seattle Mariners, which likely contributed to the White Sox’s decision to add him to their rotation.
With a roster that includes young talent like Dylan Cease and promising prospects, the White Sox are aiming for improvement in the upcoming season as they work towards building a competitive team.
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