CHICAGO — Mike Clevinger Then think about the Chicago White Sox Everything is in place for a huge 2023 season. Plus, he enjoys the Guaranteed Rate field mound.
The long-haired pitcher understood the logic of this move.
Clevinger was officially signed by the White Sox on Sunday. The contract, which is $12 million in value, adds the right-hander into the team’s rotation.
He said, “I think the roster’s, i believe, fully set up to do special things and have a long season.” “But also,… that’s one my favorite mounds all the major leagues, so it’s exciting to get back to.”
Clevinger, 31, went 7-7 and had a 4.33 ERA over 23 games. This includes 22 starts for San Diego. After Tommy John surgery, he missed the 2021 season.
Clevinger will earn $8 million in 2023. There is also a mutual $12,000,000 option for 2024, which includes a 4 million buyout.
After suffering right knee pain last season, he says he feels much better now that he has had a platelet-rich plasma infusion after the Padres were eliminated from the playoffs.
He said, “Getting that PRP shot and giving it a solid 3-4 weeks, then throwing completely, now, I feel normal again.” “It’s been great to get back into the gym doing normal things.
Chicago is hoping to rebound after a disappointing 2022 season that saw it finish 11 games behind AL Central champion Cleveland. Tony La Russa, Hall of Fame manager, resigned in October. Pedro Grifol was hired as the new Hall of Fame manager on November 1.
The White Sox saw a significant lift from Johnny Cueto Clevinger, a 36-year-old righthander, is a free agent this year after going 8-10 with a 3.35 ERA and 25 appearances. Clevinger will likely be included in a rotation that includes Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn, Lucas Giolito Michael Kopech.
Clevinger stated, “These dudes are electric,”
Clevinger, who is 6’4″, will be returning to the AL Central. He made his major league debut in 2016 with Cleveland. After a four-plus season with Cleveland, he went 42-22 and had a 3.20 ERA. He was then traded to San Diego in a multi-team deal in August 2020.
Clevinger, 51, has a 3.39 ERA over 128 major league seasons. Clevinger also has 694 strikeouts over 656 2/3 innings.
The White Sox made the announcement on the same day that the MLB’s winter meetings started in San Diego. Executives and agents across the sport anticipate a frenzy in San Diego where the meetings will conclude on Wednesday.
This report was contributed by The Associated Press.