An In-depth Look at Mike Clevinger's Latest Deal With the Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox and pitcher Mike Clevinger have come to terms on a contract for the 2024 season, bringing a seasoned arm back into their rotation mix. Clevinger's deal, which is set at $3 million with the possibility of earning an additional $3 million through performance incentives, is currently pending the outcome of a physical examination.
Tracing Clevinger's Path
Last winter, Clevinger inked a one-year agreement with the White Sox, valued at $12 million, showing the team's initial confidence in the pitcher despite a somewhat tumultuous off-field situation. This was in light of investigations into domestic violence allegations against him, for which he ultimately faced no formal disciplinary action. On the field, Clevinger provided a mixed bag of results over the course of the season. Despite landing on the injured list twice, he managed to pitch 131 1/3 innings, recording a 3.77 ERA, an indicator of his resilience and ability to navigate through challenges.
Clevinger's journey back to competitive pitching following Tommy John surgery in November 2020 has been commendable, albeit not without its hurdles. Last season's 20% strikeout rate, falling below the league's average, alongside indicators like a .281 batting average on balls in play and a 77.2% strand rate, suggests that his on-field performance has room for improvement. Advanced metrics, including a 4.28 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a 4.81 Skill-Interactive ERA (SIERA), further hint at underlying struggles that have not fully surfaced in his ERA.
Prospects for 2024
As the White Sox reconfigure their pitching roster for the 2024 season, Clevinger is anticipated to bolster their starting rotation. While expectations are in place for him to contribute significantly, there remains the understanding that he may require some time to fully return to his pre-injury form. It's also plausible that the White Sox will consider trades for some of their current starting pitchers as they seek to optimize their roster composition and performance prospects.
For Clevinger personally, the upcoming season represents an opportunity to refine his pitching mechanics and elevate his strikeout rate, potentially reclaiming the form that once made him an emerging star in the league. The decision by the White Sox to re-sign him underscores a belief in his potential and a willingness to support his journey back to the top of his game.
The terms of Clevinger’s new contract—with its incentive-laden structure—mirror this belief, providing a framework that rewards performance improvements and contributions to the team’s success. As both the White Sox and Clevinger look ahead to the 2024 season, this deal positions them to mutually benefit from a return to form by the right-handed pitcher, enhancing their competitive edge in the league.
In sum, Mike Clevinger's renewed partnership with the Chicago White Sox holds promise for both parties. As Clevinger seeks to rebuild and advance his career post-surgery and beyond previous off-field issues, the White Sox are investing in a pitcher with proven talents and the potential for significant contributions. With a deal structured to incentivize performance, both Clevinger and the White Sox are eyeing a future that capitalizes on the pitcher's return to peak condition and the team's aspirations for success in the 2024 season and beyond.