The Chicago White Sox capped an active end-year week by signing right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen to a one-year, $1.75 million contract on Thursday, December 29th, 2023. The deal is aimed at enhancing the team’s starting rotation as they look to build on last season’s playoff appearance.
The right-handed pitcher has recorded a 27-34 record with a 4.95 ERA in 80 starts across 120 major league appearances. Flexen joins the White Sox after a breakout year with the Seattle Mariners, further upgrading a rotation that earlier added veteran starter Mike Clevinger. Chicago designated catcher Carlos Pérez for assignment in order to free up a spot for the incoming right hander.
The news comes as Illinois sportsbooks thrive with record $1.3 billion revenue in November 2023, showcasing the state’s booming sports betting industry.
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White Sox Looks to Solidify Its Rotation
The Flexen enjoyed a career comeback in Seattle last season, going 14-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 179 2/3 innings. With 16 starts for both Colorado Rockies and Seattle Mariners in the 2023/2024 MLB season, the 29-year-old RHP made 29 appearances in total, going 2-8 with a 6.86 ERA. His performance earned him an eighth-place finish in American League Cy Young Award voting.
Flexen figures will slot in nicely in a rotation headed by Dylan Cease and Lance Lynn. The White Sox needed to offset the potential departure of Johnny Cueto in free agency. Cueto remains unsigned, though Flexen would represent an upgrade after logging the most innings of his career in 2022.
The move comes months after the Chicago White Sox acquired Clevinger in a trade with San Diego, bringing in a hard-throwing starter with playoff experience. According to an agreement obtained by Forbes Magazine, the one-year deal is worth $12 million and includes a $4 million buyout clause in case either side decides to terminate the contract.
Despite injuries, Clevinger possesses top-of-the-rotation form and skills. Together, Flexen and Clevinger will reshape what was looking like a thin rotation behind Cease and Lynn.
Promising youngster Michael Kopech likely occupies the fifth starter role, while Davis Martin and Jimmy Lambert could compete for a higher spot in the pecking order.
Betting on Continued Success
Flexen was originally drafted by the New York Kingsport Mets in 2012 and made his MLB debut with the pro team in 2017. In his first appearance against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park, he surrendered four runs on five hits during the beginning of the game.
He found his stride with the Seattle Mariners, going 14-6 with a 3.61 ERA in 2021. Flexen spent 2023 bouncing between the Mariners, Rockies and Blue Jays, compiling a 6.86 ERA over 16 starts.
Flexen’s performance last season marked a significant turnaround after he previously struggled to gain a foothold in MLB. He pitched well as a rookie for the New York Mets in 2017 before injuries derailed his development.
After spending three seasons pitching overseas, Flexen re-established himself with the Mariners in 2021. Last year represented a definitive breakthrough, as he nearly doubled his previous career-high innings total.
Chris succeeded largely by avoiding hard contact, with opponents managing just a .226 expected batting average last season. His four-seam fastball velocity also ticked up to an average of 93 mph.
While Flexen is unlikely to replicate last year’s figures precisely, the White Sox are betting he can sustain enough gains to adequately fill out the rotation. It’s a modest financial risk that carries sizable potential rewards.
Eyes Forward
In Flexen and Clevinger, the White Sox moved aggressively to patch up a rotation that looked thin a week ago. Lynn and Cease now have reinforcements behind them in a group mixing upside and reliability.
The deals continue an active winter for Chicago after a disappointing 2022 season. Reigning AL Central champions in 2021, the White Sox struggled with injuries and underperformance to finish 81-81 last year.
While the rotation required shoring up, the lineup still features stars like Jose Abreu, Tim Anderson and Eloy Jimenez. After falling short of expectations, the White Sox are reloading for another playoff push in 2023. For bettors debating whether to put money on Chicago, it’s worth evaluating their odds and roster moves.
As covered in an article on ILGamblingFun, the White Sox have seen their odds rise after a busy offseason. There remain questions about the durability of players like Jimenez and Robert, but the additions of Flexen and Clevinger address past concerns. Ultimately, bettors will have to weigh the risks and rewards of backing this rebuilt Sox squad.
Flexen Outlook and Potential Impact at Guaranteed Rate Field
While Flexen’s signing may not be a headline-grabbing move, it’s a shrewd addition that addresses a crucial need for the White Sox. His reliable arm, strikeout potential, and competitive spirit add valuable depth and versatility to the pitching staff.
With a rotation now featuring Giolito, Cease, Michael Kopech, Johnny Cueto, and the newly acquired Flexen, the White Sox are well-positioned to navigate the rigors of the American League Central and mount a serious challenge for the division crown.
The White Sox had been in need of starting pitching options following Lynn’s free agency. Flexen provides experience as both a starter and long reliever to help fill out the back end of Chicago’s rotation.
MLB insider Jon Heyman notes Flexen has the potential for a bounceback season in the easier hitting AL Central after mixed results last year with playoff contenders. White Sox insider James Fegan says the signing of Flexen to a low-risk, one-year deal was a smart move that could pay dividends.
Wrap-Up
The Chicago White Sox’s signing of Chris Flexen caps off a busy week of roster moves and addresses a vital need for pitching depth. Flexen’s experience, strikeout ability, and competitive spirit add valuable layers to the rotation, giving the White Sox a more well-rounded and flexible pitching staff. While challenges remain, the addition of Flexen sends a clear message of intent as the White Sox prepare for what promises to be another exciting season on the South Side.
