CHICAGO, IL – The Chicago White Sox have made a strategic move to bolster their pitching staff by signing right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen to a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. In a corresponding move, catcher Carlos Pérez has been designated for assignment.
Chris Flexen’s Journey and Role with White Sox
Chris Flexen, 29, brings a wealth of Major League experience to the White Sox. During the 2023 season, Flexen had a challenging year, posting a 2-8 record with a 6.86 ERA and 74 strikeouts over 102.1 innings. He began the year with the Seattle Mariners before being designated for assignment in late June. After a brief stint with the New York Mets and his subsequent release, Flexen joined the Colorado Rockies as a free agent.
Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 230 pounds, Flexen has a career record of 27-34 with a 4.95 ERA and 343 strikeouts in 120 games, including 80 starts, across six major league seasons. His time with the Mets, Mariners, and Rockies has given him a breadth of experience in various roles, from starter to bullpen.
Flexen’s peak performance came during the 2021-22 seasons with Seattle, where he achieved a 22-15 record and a 3.66 ERA over 53 starts. His 2021 season was particularly impressive, as he tied for second in the American League with 14 victories, ranked seventh with a 3.61 ERA, and made 31 starts.
Initially drafted by the Mets in the 14th round of the 2012 First-Year Player Draft, Flexen’s journey from Newark Memorial High School in California to the major leagues has been marked by perseverance and adaptability.
Carlos Pérez’s Tenure with White Sox Ends
The White Sox’s decision to designate catcher Carlos Pérez for assignment comes after he appeared in 27 games for the team in 2023. Pérez, 27, struggled at the plate, hitting .204 with four doubles, one home run, three RBIs, and five runs scored.
White Sox Roster Status
Following these moves, the White Sox 40-man roster remains filled. The signing of Chris Flexen is seen as a move to add depth and experience to their pitching options, potentially offering a mix of starting and relief roles. With the 2023 season underway, the White Sox appear focused on strengthening their roster to compete effectively in a highly competitive division.
Flexen’s addition to the White Sox is a calculated risk, banking on his ability to bounce back from a challenging season and tap into the form that made him a key contributor with the Mariners. For Pérez, the designation for assignment might signal the end of his tenure with the White Sox, but also opens opportunities for him elsewhere in the league.
