Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

Mike Clevinger Returns to White Sox on One-Year Deal

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Apr 2, 2024 12:46 PM ET

In the middle of a blowout loss to the Atlanta Braves on Monday, the Chicago White Sox struck a deal with starting pitcher Mike Clevinger. The right-hander pitched well for the South Siders in 2023 but opted out of his mutual option with the club in the offseason, seeking a multi-year deal.

However, Clevinger has remained on the market all offseason, and the White Sox picked him up at a bargain rate. Chicago signed the veteran to a one-year deal worth $3 million plus another $3 million in incentives. The White Sox also owe Clevinger $4 million from his previous deal. The new agreement is pending a physical.

Terms of Mike Clevinger’s contract with the Chicago White Sox, per sources: one-year, $3 million with $3 million in incentives. The deal is pending a physical.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) April 2, 2024

The Return

Clevinger pitched better than expected in 2023 despite a six-week stint on the injured list. He notched a 3.77 ERA over 24 starts, struck out 110 in 131.1 innings, and recorded 3.3 bWAR, his best mark since his 2019 season with Cleveland. Unfortunately for the White Sox, the surge in performance came too close to the trade deadline, and the $12 million mutual option for 2024 hurt his trade value.

Rumblings of Chicago's interest in a reunion emerged last month. The rumors have now come to fruition, and pending the results of his physical, Clevinger will return to Chicago.

What's On Tap Next?

The White Sox desperately need pitching depth with few big league-ready prospects. The first four starters in their pitching rotation produced mixed results, and their presumed fifth starter, Nick Nastrini, has only 19.2 innings logged at the Triple-A level. Chicago needed starting pitching depth, and Clevinger's addition provided that precisely.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: