A Fresh Start: Mike Clevinger's Deal with the White Sox for 2024
A Fresh Start: Mike Clevinger's Deal with the White Sox for 2024
The Chicago White Sox have boldly moved ahead with their plans for the 2024 season by signing pitcher Mike Clevinger to a stimulating new contract. Clevinger, whose journey in Major League Baseball has been marked by his prowess on the mound as well as his battles with injury and controversy, is set on a path to redemption and resurgence with this latest agreement.
Under the terms of the deal, Clevinger will earn $3 million for the upcoming season, with performance incentives that could see him pocketing an additional $3 million. This contract, however, hinges on Clevinger passing a physical examination—a standard procedure but one of great significance given his recent health history.
Looking Back: A Year of Challenge and Change
The past year has been eventful for Clevinger. Last winter, he penned a one-year contract with the White Sox worth $12 million, a deal that underscored the team's confidence in his ability to contribute significantly to their pitching staff. However, the season was not without its hurdles for Clevinger. Notably, he found himself at the center of investigations regarding allegations of domestic violence. While these investigations did not lead to formal disciplinary action, they certainly added to the challenges Clevinger faced throughout the season.
On the field, Clevinger's performance was commendable, if not without its areas for improvement. Over 131 1/3 innings pitched, he maintained a 3.77 ERA. This achievement is noteworthy, especially considering that Clevinger was placed on the injured list twice over the course of the season. His journey back to the mound was all the more challenging due to undergoing Tommy John surgery in November 2020. Given this context, his performance last season offered much to be optimistic about.
However, a closer examination of his performance reveals room for growth. With a strikeout rate of 20%, Clevinger fell below the league average, suggesting a potential area for improvement in his approach. Additionally, his somewhat favorable ERA was possibly assisted by a .281 batting average on balls in play and a 77.2% strand rate. Advanced metrics offer a more nuanced perspective; with a 4.28 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a 4.81 Skill-Interactive ERA (SIERA), it's clear that Clevinger faced struggles that his ERA alone might not reflect.
Looking Ahead: The White Sox's Pitching Strategy for 2024
As the White Sox gear up for the 2024 season, changes to their pitching roster are on the horizon, with Clevinger poised to play a key role. The expectation is that he will join the rotation, bringing with him not only his experience but also the hope of reaching peak physical condition and performance level.
In light of this new contract, the White Sox may also consider making adjustments to their current lineup, with potential trades of current starters not off the table. For Clevinger, the focus will be on refining his pitch mechanics and enhancing his strikeout rate—an area he has identified for improvement.
In re-signing Clevinger, the White Sox have made a clear statement of their belief in his potential to overcome past challenges and contribute significantly to the team's success. Despite the hurdles he has faced, both on and off the field, this new contract represents an opportunity for Clevinger to reaffirm his status as a key player in Major League Baseball and for the White Sox to cement their pitching lineup as a force to be reckoned with in the upcoming season.
