Possible Cardinals Rotation Target Reportedly Signs With White Sox

It doesn't sound like St. Louis will be making another addition any time soon

Apr 14, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger (52) pitches against / Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

One of the last notable free-agent starting pitchers reportedly is off the market.

This past offseason was one of the most strange ones in recent memory for the top free agents. Although there were some very solid players out there, clubs seemed to avoid spending and therefore some surprising players took months to sign deals.

One player who felt the negative impact of this is veteran starter Mike Clevinger. He spent the 2023 season with the Chicago White Sox and had a 3.77 ERA and a 110-to-40 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 131 1/3 innings pitched.

After months of speculation, Clevinger finally has received a new contract as he reportedly re-signed with the White Sox on Monday, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

"Free-agent pitcher Mike Clevinger and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a contract, pending physical, according to sources familiar with the deal," Murray said. "After trading Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres, the White Sox checked in on Clevinger. The two sides have been in contact since and on Monday, agreed to a contract to bring the right-hander back to Chicago."

Clevinger was linked to a handful of teams throughout the offseason, including the St. Louis Cardinals. St. Louis needed to improve the rotation and signed Sonny Gray, Lance Lynn, and Kyle Gibson early in the offseason.

The Cardinals continued to be mentioned as a possible landing spot for other hurlers after the three additions and Clevinger's name popped up multiple times because he was looking for a cheap deal despite a solid 2023 season.

Clevinger would've made a lot of sense for the Cardinals but it doesn't seem like any more reinforcements are coming until at least the trade deadline.

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