An Overview of Mike Clevinger's New Deal with the White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have officially agreed on a new contract with pitcher Mike Clevinger for the 2024 season. This new agreement secures Clevinger's return to the mound for the White Sox, outlining terms that offer him a base salary of $3 million for the year. Additionally, the contract includes performance incentives that could potentially double his earnings to $6 million for the season, should he meet certain benchmarks. However, it's worth noting that the finalization of this contract is contingent upon Clevinger passing a physical examination.
Reflecting on Clevinger's Career and Recent Challenges
Clevinger, who previously inked a one-year contract with the White Sox last winter valued at $12 million, faced a turbulent year both on and off the field. He was at the center of investigations into allegations of domestic violence. Despite the seriousness of the allegations, the investigations did not result in any formal disciplinary actions against him.
On the field, Clevinger's performance presented a mixed bag. Over the course of the last season, he logged 131 1/3 innings, delivering an ERA (Earned Run Average) of 3.77. Despite these seemingly solid numbers, his year was not without obstacles. Clevinger found himself on the injured list twice throughout the season, hinting at potential durability concerns. This was in addition to recovering from Tommy John surgery he underwent in November 2020, which had already sidelined him for a significant period.
Further analysis of his performance reveals nuances that the surface-level statistics might not immediately show. With a strikeout rate of 20% last season, Clevinger fell below the league average, potentially signaling a decline in his ability to dominate opposing hitters. Nevertheless, certain factors like a .281 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) and a 77.2% strand rate might have helped him maintain a respectable ERA. Advanced metrics such as a 4.28 Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and a 4.81 Skill-Interactive ERA (SIERA) indicate that his effectiveness might be overstated by traditional statistics, suggesting that Clevinger struggled more significantly than his ERA would imply.
Looking Forward to 2024
As the White Sox prepare for the 2024 season, changes to their pitching rotation appear imminent, with Clevinger expected to play a pivotal role. His inclusion in the rotation is a clear signal of the team's confidence in his abilities and potential to return to peak form. However, given his recent injury history and pitching metrics, the journey back to the top of his game could necessitate adjustments and patience.
The team may also explore trading some of its current starters to make room in the rotation and allocate resources more effectively. For Clevinger, the upcoming season presents an opportunity to refine his pitching mechanics and work on elevating his strikeout rate, areas he intends to focus on in his quest for improvement.
The decision by the White Sox to re-sign Clevinger underscores their belief in his potential to overcome recent challenges and contribute significantly to their pitching staff. As the 2024 season approaches, both the team and Clevinger will be under scrutiny, as they strive for success and redemption in what promises to be a consequential year for all involved.