In December 2022, Mike Clevinger inked a one-year deal with the Chicago White Sox that included a mutual option for 2024. After a stellar 2023 season that marked one of his career bests, the 33-year-old chose to forgo the option, making him a free agent. Despite a long midseason injured-list stint, the right-hander delivered consistency this past season.
Reliability
While a few peripheral metrics on Baseball Savant hint at luck favoring Clevinger, his top-line results speak volumes. Clevinger posted a 3.77 ERA across 24 starts, amassing 110 strikeouts in 131.1 innings. His 3.3 bWAR in 2023 was his best mark since his 2019 season with Cleveland. Clevinger's solid performance in 2023 was largely attributed to his adeptness at limiting home runs and hard contact.
Although the season had its share of setbacks, including a six-week stint on the injured list, Clevinger rebounded impressively upon his return. The veteran posted a 2.31 ERA in the initial six starts and maintained an ERA below three for the remainder of 2023, save for his final outing against his former team, the San Diego Padres. Unfortunately for the White Sox, the surge in performance came too close to the trade deadline to improve his trade value.
Final Grade: B
What's On Tap Next?
Despite clearing waivers in August, Clevinger opted out of the mutual option with the White Sox. Chicago is committed to a $4 million payout in 2024, and the right-hander now aims to secure a multi-year deal in the free-agent market.
Considering the scarcity of quality free-agent starting pitchers, a reunion between Clevinger and the White Sox remains possible, though it appears somewhat unlikely. Clevinger exceeded expectations for Chicago in 2023, even with a six-week injury hiatus.
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