Intriguing Ex-White Sox Starter Reportedly Could Be Option For Mets In Free Agency
The New York Mets need to add at least one more starting pitcher this offseason.
On the bright side, New York landed former New York Yankees All-Star Luis Severino already this offseason. The Mets didn't have the same luck in their pursuit of former Orix Buffaloes ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
New York did everything it could do but failed to land the young ace. Yamamoto was New York's top option in free agency, but the Los Angeles Dodgers won the sweepstakes for the 25-year-old.
The Mets now need to go back to the drawing board and one player who reportedly could be an option for New York is former Cleveland Guardians, San Diego Padres, and Chicago White Sox starter Mike Clevinger, according to the New York Post's Mike Puma.
"Another pitcher who spent time with the White Sox last season, the right-hander opted out from his contract in November and stands to land a multi-year deal in free agency," Puma said. Clevinger was accused last offseason of domestic abuse that allegedly occurred when he was with the Padres in 2022, but following an investigation by (Major League Baseball), he wasn’t disciplined.
"The 33-year-old pitched to a 3.77 ERA in 24 starts with the White Sox and is well-regarded for his ability to pitch to soft contact."
It's unclear how much interest the Mets have in Clevinger, but he would be a solid pickup. He likely won't cost much and could improve the Mets' starting rotation's floor. He may not have the upside as someone like Yamamoto, but that doesn't mean he couldn't help.
