Report: White Sox Reload for 2023 with Mike Clevinger
The Chicago White Sox have made a move on the margins of the 2023 free-agent pitching market, reportedly signing SP Mike Clevinger to a one-year deal.
Free-agent right-hander Mike Clevinger in agreement with White Sox, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 27, 2022
Mike Clevinger’s guarantee with the #WhiteSox is more than $8 million, source says. @MLBNetwork https://t.co/PRbeK3HFkm
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 27, 2022
This deal would fill out the Southside rotation for 2023. Look for management to add left-handed depth to balance a righty-heavy starting staff.
White Sox potential starting rotation
• Dylan Cease
• Lance Lynn
• Lucas Giolito
• Michael Kopech
• Mike ClevingerAll right-handed pitchers.
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) November 27, 2022
Clevinger was 7-7 over 22 starts in 2022 after returning from a second Tommy John surgery which sidelined him in 2021. He posted a 4.33 ERA (86 ERA+) over 114.1 innings. His 7.2 K9 rate was the lowest of his career.
The short term of the contract suggests this is a “prove-it” deal that will allow Clevinger to secure a long-term contract by returning to his 2017-2020 form.
This move should only be the beginning for the White Sox, who will need to shore up their roster after a disappointing 81-81 campaign in 2022. They will need additional firepower on the mound and at the plate, with team mainstay and 2020 American League MVP José Abreu hitting the free agent market.
Featured Image: Mike Clevinger of Cleveland franchise in the bullpen on May 31, 2017, by Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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