A Fresh Start: Mike Clevinger Signs New Deal With the Chicago White Sox
In a significant move signaling ambition and perhaps a search for redemption, the Chicago White Sox have decided to bring back Mike Clevinger for the 2024 season under a fresh contract. This new agreement, still subject to Clevinger passing a medical examination, promises the pitcher $3 million for the upcoming season. There's a lucrative angle to this deal as well, with the potential to double his earnings to $6 million through performance-based incentives. The precise nature of these incentives has not been disclosed, but they are expected to revolve around pitching performance and durability – key areas of concern and focus for Clevinger going forward.
Reflections on a Turbulent Year
Last winter marked the beginning of Clevinger's journey with the White Sox, on a one-year deal valued at $12 million – a significant investment indicating the team's high hopes for his contributions. However, Clevinger's year was overshadowed by off-field issues, including investigations into allegations of domestic violence. Despite these serious concerns, no formal disciplinary action was taken against him, allowing him to continue his professional commitments on the field.
On the mound, Clevinger delivered a moderately successful season, clocking up 131 1/3 innings of work with a 3.77 ERA. Yet, it was not without its challenges, as he spent two stints on the injured list, which undoubtedly affected his rhythm and performance. The lingering effects of his Tommy John surgery from November 2020 might have also played a role in his performance dynamics last season. Indeed, his 20% strikeout rate, though respectable, fell below the league average, raising questions about his dominance on the mound.
Digging deeper into the analytics, more nuanced indicators like a 4.28 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a 4.81 Skill-Interactive ERA (SIERA) suggest that Clevinger's struggles were more pronounced than his ERA might indicate. Coupled with a relatively fortunate .281 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) and a 77.2% strand rate, there are hints that Clevinger might have benefited from some good luck last season.
What Lies Ahead in 2024
Looking ahead to the 2024 MLB season, the White Sox are clearly in the process of reshaping their pitching staff, and Clevinger is set to be a key piece of that puzzle. Expected to solidify his place in the rotation, there is anticipation surrounding his potential contribution. Yet, given his recent performance and health challenges, there's an understanding that he may need some time to return to his peak condition and performance levels.
Within this dynamic, there is also speculation about possible moves the White Sox might make concerning their current starting pitchers, with trade considerations being a topic of mild speculation. However, the decision to re-sign Clevinger reflects a level of confidence in his ability to bounce back and deliver on the mound. As part of his personal objectives, improving pitch mechanics and enhancing his strikeout rate are high on Clevinger’s list – improvements that would not only benefit his career but also significantly bolster the White Sox's pitching arsenal.
In the grand schema of sports comebacks and career revitalizations, Mike Clevinger's journey through the 2024 season with the Chicago White Sox will be one to watch. With a contract that motivates performance and a team seemingly committed to his success, the stage is set for Clevinger to reclaim his position as a formidable force on the mound. For the White Sox, their faith in his potential is a gamble that they hope will pay rich dividends, contributing significantly to their aspirations for the coming season.