Position: SP Bats/Throws: R/R
Age: 33 (12/21/1990)

Traditional Stats: 24 G, 9-9, 3.77 ERA, 1.226 WHIP, 131.1 IP, 110 SO
Advanced Stats: 2.2 fWAR, 4.28 FIP, 4.13 xERA, 20.0 SO%, 7.3 BB%

Rundown

The 33-year-old Florida native is now roughly four years removed from a terrific run as a part of a young stable of strong Cleveland Indians’ starting pitchers. From 2016 through 2020, Mike Clevinger posted a 3.20 ERA and 3.58 FIP with Cleveland. However, he has yet to regain that form as he is still trying to work his way fully back from the Tommy John surgery he had in November of 2020.

After the surgery, Clevinger finally returned in 2022, tossing 114 1/3 innings with the San Diego Padres. He struggled, posting a 4.33 ERA and 87 ERA+. The underlying metrics were ugly, as both his breaking and offspeed pitches had run values below the league’s 20th percentile. His xERA, xBA, K%, chase rate, and whiff rate all ranked below the league’s 40th percentile. However, last season, Clevinger took a step forward, throwing 131 1/3 innings for the Chicago White Sox, posting a strong 3.77 ERA.

In 2023, Clevinger improved mightily across the board. His solid 3.77 ERA and 110 ERA+ indicates that he is still likely an effective bottom-of-the-rotation starter. Additionally, the increases in basically every single underlying metric further indicates there is likely a higher ceiling that can be reached as he continues to work his way back from his debilitating injury.

Specifically, in 2023, he posted an xERA and an xBA in the league’s 52nd and 53rd percentiles, respectively. He also posted run values of the three main pitch types – fastball, breaking, and offspeed – above the league’s 65th percentile. The big right-handed pitcher did a good job limiting walks (65th percentile), avoiding opponent’s barrels (63rd percentile), and avoiding hard contact (72nd percentile hard hit rate). He had a strong season as it compares to a projectable No. 4 of 5 starter

Clevinger is certainly a pitcher that projects to be able to serve a valuable role in any teams rotation 2024. This especially if he continues to get better post-surgery and the fact he is not yet 35 years old.

Note, Clevinger had been under investigation after being accused of domestic abuse by the mother of one of his children. However, the league announced in March of 2023 that he would not face discipline under MLB’s joint domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse policy. Clevinger voluntarily agreed to submit to evaluations by the treatment boards that cover domestic violence and drugs of abuse and also agreed to comply with any recommendations those boards make, according to the report.

Contract

According to Fangraph‘s crowd-sourced projections, Clevinger is being forecasted to net a two-year deal worth $12 million annually. For comparison sake, other pitchers who project to pitch in a similar role as Clevinger this year have already received the following deals:

• 34-year-old Seth Lugo: Two-years, $26 million
• 32-year-old Michael Wacha: Three-years, $39 million
• 36-year-old Kenta Maeda: Two-years, $24 million
• 33-year-old Nick Martinez: Two-years, $18 million

A two-year deal, with potentially an opt-out or team option, worth around $10-to-$14 million makes the most sense. This would allow both for a team to get solid value for a No. 4 starter and Clevinger to cash in while he continues to try to re-establish himself post-Tommy John surgery.

Recommendation

The starting pitcher market is quickly dwindling down. Of the 35 starting pitchers originally on the market who Fangraphs project to post at least 1.0 WAR next season, 18 of them have already agreed to terms. The options are getting limited.

As it currently projects, the Mets’ starting rotation looks as such:

1. Kodai Senga
2. José Quintana
3. Luis Severino
4. Adrian Houser
5. Tylor Megill

The Mets also has Joey Lucchesi and José Butto as depth. However, as it currently stands, it is a group that desperately needs at least one-or-two more additions.

Clevinger is not a flashy name, however, he would plug the bottom of the rotation much better than the likes of either Houser or Megill. He also comfortably outperformed Severino, who is also trying to work his way back from injury. Of course, if it does not work out, and the Mets find themselves selling once again at the deadline, they can always move Clevinger, who projects as a short-term deal candidate, around at the trade deadline.

With all that being said, Clevinger would be an efficient add to a rotation that desperately needs one.

The post Free Agent Profile: Mike Clevinger, SP appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Seth Lugo. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

There is no secret what the New York Mets and new president of baseball operations, David Stearns, main priority will be this offseason. Pitching, pitching, and some more pitching. Right now, the team only has two starters locked into their 2024 rotation; Kodai Senga and José Quintana. This leaves three spots to be filled, with only a couple, mediocre (Joey Lucchesi 5.48 xERA last season, Tylor Megill 5.89 xERA last season, and David Peterson is injured), in-house options available.

Let’s just say the recent report of the Mets being “all over” arguably the top free agent pitcher, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, is true and the team is indeed able to land him. That would fulfill the top two spots in the rotation, Yamamoto and Senga, leaving the last three to figure out. Quintana surely cements one of those last roles, still leaving two up in the air.

Who would be some of the current pitchers on the market that would fill a bottom-three starter’s role well?

Note, the below are not flashy names, nor are they suppose to be. This list is meant to focus on the more under-the-radar names who can still be effective bottom of the rotation starters (No. 3 through 5 roles).

Kenta Maeda

The now 35-year-old is a very intriguing under-the-radar option. Kenta Maeda is now entering his eighth year in the big leagues boasting a solid 3.92 ERA over his career. After missing the 2021 season due to injury (Tommy John surgery), Maeda came back last season and tossed 104 1/3 innings across 20 starts.

In 2023, he posted a 4.23 ERA and allowed 94 hits to go along with only 28 walks. All his underlying metrics painted a prettier picture, as his xBA and xERA both ranked above the league’s 65th percentile at 3.77 and .231, respectively. Maeda did a good job not walking batters (78th percentile), inducing swings and misses (66th percentile whiff rate), and getting chases (76th percentile chase rate). He had himself a very, very strong season in return from his year-long injury.

Throughout his career, Maeda has always been effective. In each of his seven seasons, he has posted an xERA below 4.00 according to Baseball Savant. Last season, he still showed the ability to pitch very strong and would automatically be a huge boost to the Mets’ rotation in a No. 3 or 4 role. Consensus for a new contract appear to be in the two-year range worth between $12 and $18 million per season.

James Paxton

The new 35-year-old James Paxton has tried to recover to full health since 2019, and finally returned to the mound for 19 starts and 96 innings last season. On the surface, the numbers do not look extremely encouraging given the 4.50 ERA. However, his underlying numbers paint a picture of an effective No. 4 or No. 5 starter.

Paxton owned an xERA and xBA last season that sat in the 64th percentile and 68th percentile, respectively. His xERA of 3.82 was 0.68 less than his actual figure showing he was likely a victim of some poor luck or lackluster fielding. His xFIP of 3.98 further highlights that claim. The Canadien also ranked above the league’s 50th percentile in chase rate, whiff rate, strikeout rate, and walk rate. When reviewing the full body of work, and taking in account the underlying metrics there appears to still be an effective bottom of the rotation starter.

Fangraph’s crowd-sourced projected contract is only a one-year deal worth $8 million. With a deal like this, if Paxton is able to remain healthy and replicate similar numbers to 2022, he would be extremely valuable. Especially to a team like the Mets who desperately need to fill out the bottom part of the team’s rotation.

Domingo Germán. USA TODAY Sports

Domingo Germán

Former New York Yankees’ starter Domingo Germán had the definition of an up-and-down season in 2023. He threw the 24th perfect game in major-league history, but still ended the season with a subpar 4.56 ERA and 5-7 record. However, like Paxton, the 31-year-old’s underlying metrics paint a much better season than indicated on the surface.

Germán’s xERA and xFIP last season are both lower than his actual ERA and FIP figures, once again indicating some poor luck. He also featured two pitches, his breaking ball and offspeed, that had run values ranking better than the league’s 75th percentile. Lastly, Germán did a good job striking hitters out (chase rate and whiff rates above the league’s 78th percentile) and limiting walks (61st percentile walk rate). All these characteristics paint a picture of a serviceable bottom of the rotation starter.

Throughout his career, Germán has always put up effective No. 4 or No. 5 starter numbers, posting xERAs of 4.09, 3.78, and 4.33, respectively, over the past three seasons. He may not be the most flashy name, however, at the likely contract he will receive given he was just outright for assignment by the Yankees, versus the likely performance he will put forth, will likely garner strong value as a No. 4 or 5 starter.

Seth Lugo

The former New York Met was finally given a full season as a starter and performed decently. Seth Lugo made 26 starts tossing 146 1/3 innings posting a 3.57 ERA. Both his ERA+ and FIP came in at solid numbers, 115 and 3.83, respectively. It was a good first year as a full-time starter for the 33-year-old.

Interestingly enough, in the opposite direction of the three listed above, Lugo’s xERA of 4.48 signified he may have posted results a tad more deceiving than he deserved. However, the 4.48 mark is still a decent figure and Lugo got the actual performance worthy of a starter’s gig going forward.

Of course, it yet remains to be seen if the former 34th-round pick by the Mets in 2011 would welcome a return back to New York. If he did, contract projections vary in the two-to-three-year range between $12-to-$14 million. A deal that would line Lugo up as a decent No. 4 starter.

Mike Clevinger. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Clevinger

The 32-year-old Florida native is now three-to-four years removed from strong runs as a part of that young stable of really strong Cleveland Indians’ starters. However, he likely still possesses the ability to be an effective bottom of the rotation starter. Last season, Mike Clevinger threw 131 1/3 innings for the Chicago White Sox, posting a 3.77 ERA. This one year after 114 1/3 innings with the San Diego Padres in 2022 where he struggled posting a 4.33 ERA and 87 ERA+.

Last season, Clevinger’s solid 3.77 ERA and 110 ERA+ indicates there still is an effective starter there and shows that the lackluster 2021 season shouldn’t be the baseline. In 2022, he posted an xERA and an xBA in the league’s 52nd and 53rd percentiles, respectively. He also posted run values of the three main pitch types – fastball, breaking, and offspeed – above the leagues 65th percentile. The big right-handed pitcher did a good job limiting walks (65th percentile), avoiding opponent’s barrels (63rd percentile), and avoiding hard contact (72nd percentile hard hit rate).

The contract projections for the former Indian vary in the two-year range for $11-to-$13 million per season. This would be very solid for a No. 4 starter, especially if he is able to replicate the season he put forth last season.

Contract projections from Fangrpah’s crowd-sourced projections as well as MLB Trade Rumors‘ projections. 

The post Five Potentially Effective Bottom-Of-The-Rotation Free Agent Options appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that according to sources, the Los Angeles Angels placed starting pitcher Lucas Giolito, relief pitchers Matt Moore and Reynaldo Lopez, and outfielders Hunter Renfroe and Randal Grichuk on waivers. All five players would be eligible to be claimed by teams for free on Thursday.

Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic noted other players currently on waivers:

• Yankees outfielder Harrison Bader
• Mets right-handed pitcher Carlos Carrasco
• White Sox right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger
• Tigers right-handed pitcher Jose Cisnero

Carlos Carrasco. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Mets News

The Brooklyn Cyclones announced on Tuesday that the Mets’ No. 5 prospect, Kevin Parada, has been promoted from High-A to Double-A Binghamton. He hit .265/ .340/ .887, with a 115 wRC+ in High-A, splitting his time between the plate and serving as a designated hitter for Brooklyn. Parada joins Drew Gilbert, Luisangel Acuña, among other prospects in Double-A.

Metsmerized Online elaborated on the transaction noting that Parada made his Double-A debut on Tuesday and was batting third. Early into the game he had already thrown out a runner trying to steal second, a great start for the catching prospect.

Per Sam Dykstra of MLB Pipeline, the Mets have assigned left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay to Double-A Binghamton.  Jay has not pitched in the minor leagues since 2019 but had been in the Frontier League the past couple seasons. He had seven saves, a 4.26 ERA, 64 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 57 innings pitched for Joliet over the course of the Summer.

According to Metsmerized executive editor Michael Mayer, both Abraham Almonte and Adam Kolarek cleared waivers and were outrighted to Triple-A Syracuse. Kolarek elected free agency.

Latest MLB News

According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the New York Yankees announced that they have released third baseman Josh Donaldson.

Per Britt Ghiroli of The Athletic, the Tampa Bay Rays have signed right-handed pitcher Chris Devenski to a major league contract and placed him on the bereavement list.

Sean McAdam of MassLive.com reported that Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran will be undergoing season-ending toe surgery on Wednesday, ending his 2023 campaign.

Latest on MMO

Nick Rucco wraps up the week of Mets’ minor league affiliate action in a Mets minors weekly report that included notes on Jett Williams shining and “awards abounding” in Binghamton.

Sam Neumann recaps Tylor Megill’s best start of the 2023 season from Monday.

Chris Bello poses the question of whether Brandon Nimmo’s home run first approach has led to his increased success.

Patrick Glynn discusses Kevin Parada’s promotion to Double-A Binghamton.

Michelle Ioannou and the Metsmerized staff discuss whether they believe Noah Syndergaard should be a Met again in an MMO roundtable.

Jorge Edkardt discusses the Mets placing Carlos Carrasco on waivers, along with the news of the Angels putting Leone and Giolito on waivers.

On This Date in Mets History

1999: The Mets struck for a record 17 runs in a 17-1 win over the Astros in the Astrodome. They had 21 hits between all of the position players. Edgardo Alfonzo was the star, however, exploding for six hits and six runs in six at-bats. He had a double and three home runs. 

The post Morning Briefing: Carrasco, Giolito, Others Placed on Waivers appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

Former St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Scott Rolen has entered baseball infamy as he has accumulated enough votes to enter the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rolen enters as the lone ballot Hall of Famer this year and will join Fred McGriff, who was inducted by the Contemporary Baseball Era committee in December.

Several players with Mets connections have missed the 75% cut-off this year, including Jeff Kent, who was in his last year of eligibility. Carlos Beltran, Gary Sheffield and Francisco Rodriguez are among the other notable players with Mets connections to miss the cut. Beltrán and Rodríguez were on the HOF ballots for the first time this year.

Former Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey only received 0.3% of the HOF votes and has been kicked off the ballot for not receiving at least 5%.

Latest Mets News

The Mets have officially announced the signing of outfielder Tommy Pham to a one-year deal. Formerly with the Red Sox and Cincinnati Reds this past season, Pham will facilitate a role as the team’s fourth outfielder and may even see time in the designated hitter spot if needed. To make room for Pham on the 40-man roster, the team designated left-handed Tayler Saucedo for assignment.

We’ve signed Tommy Pham to a one-year deal.

Welcome to the squad, @TphamLV! pic.twitter.com/oNvsL8jzLZ

— New York Mets (@Mets) January 24, 2023

The New York Post‘s Andrew Marchand is reporting the Mets may have found the next sidekick to legendary radio announcer Howie Rose. Long Island native and voice for the Single-A Brooklyn Cyclones Keith Raad has emerged as the favorite to be hired for the position as he apparently “wowed” his interview with Audacy, the parent company of WCBS Radio, and Rose himself. The role could one day lead to being the main radio voice of the Mets with Rose cutting down on radio time this past season.

Latest MLB News

Chicago White Sox pitcher Mike Clevinger is under investigation by MLB following allegations of domestic violence involving the mother of his 10-month-old daughter and child abuse, according to The Athletic‘s Britt Ghiroli and Katie Strang. The report says the mother of Clevinger’s child had been in contact with MLB officials since June about physical, verbal and emotional abuse towards her and their 10-month-old child.

After the Los Angeles Angels’ ownership decided to take the team off the market, the Miami Marlins ownership has reiterated the team is not for sale. In a statement to the LA Times, Bruce Sherman said, “The Miami Marlins are not for sale, have not been for sale under my ownership, and will not be for sale in my lifetime. It is irresponsible to report otherwise. It is and will continue to be a privilege to own this great organization. I look forward to seeing our loyal fans at Opening Day on March 30th.”

Kansas City Royals infielder Adalberto Mondesi is being traded to the Red Sox, per Mark Feinsand of MLB.com. The Royals will receive Josh Taylor in exchange, while Boston will also receive a player to be named later. The move comes with Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story having elbow surgery that will sideline him for most of the 2023 season.

Former Marlins and Baltimore Orioles first baseman Jesus Aguilar and the Oakland Athletics are in agreement on a contract, pending physical, according to Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle and Robert Murray of Fansided. The deal will give Aguilar an average of about $3 million.

The New York Yankees and catching coach Tanner Swanson agreed to a new deal to keep the coach in the Bronx, according to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic. The deal is for three years with a team option for a fourth year. Yankees catchers ranked as some of the best defensively in MLB last season and much of that is attributed to Swanson’s coaching.

Pitcher Jordan Yamamoto has signed a minor league deal with the Dodgers, according to MMO‘s Michael Mayer. Yamamoto had a 6.00 ERA across three different levels in the Mets minor league system in 2022.

Latest on MMO

Rich Sparago talks about possible locations for MLB expansion teams.

On This Date in Mets History

2006: Angel Pagan is purchased by the Chicago Cubs from the New York Mets.

2010: “Melody Queen of Shea Stadium” organist Jane Jarvis passes away at 94.

The post Morning Briefing: Several Former Mets Fall Short of Hall of Fame appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Good morning, Mets fans!

The Padres signed former Braves right-hander Julio Teheran to a minor league contract for the 2023 season. He can make up to $6 million if he makes the major league roster.

Once a stalwart in the Braves rotation, Teheran spent the first nine seasons of his MLB career in Atlanta, making two All-Star Games. Teheran endured a rocky 2020 season with the Angels and made just one start for the Tigers in 2021 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. The 31-year-old pitched in the Mexican League and for the Staten Island FerryHawks of the Atlantic League in 2022. Teheran has pitched well against the Mets in his career, racking up 10 wins and a 2.98 ERA in 169 1/3 innings against them.

Latest MLB News

The White Sox have signed right-hander Mike Clevinger to a one-year contract worth $8 million. The 31-year-old made 22 starts for the Padres after returning from Tommy John surgery, turning in a 4.33 ERA/4.97 FIP (86 ERA+) and a 1.198 WHIP with 91 strikeouts in 114 1/3 innings (7.2 K/9).

The Marlins are targeting Brant Brown of the Dodgers for their hitting coach job. Brown currently shares that role in Los Angeles with Robert Van Scoyoc. Brown played with the Marlins in 2000, appearing in 41 games.

The Chunichi Dragons of NPB signed outfielder Aristides Aquino to a one-year contract worth $1.2 million. Aquino set an MLB record in 2019 by hitting 10 homers in his first 16 career games but has never been able to find that magic offensively since. While he struggled to just a .197/.246/.363 batting line with 10 homers in 279 plate appearances, Aquino was fantastic in the field, racking up 16 DRS in right field.

In more news out of Japan, the Yokohama BayStars have signed right-hander J.B. Wendelken to a one-year contract worth $3.05 million. The 29-year-old appeared in 29 games for the Diamondbacks in 2022, turning in a 5.28 ERA and a 1.345 WHIP with 21 strikeouts in 29 innings.

With Trea Turner being the most sought-after shortstop on the free agent market, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com examines which team could land the 29-year-old.

Latest on MMO

Andrew Steele-Davis looks at the debate about whether to sign Jacob deGrom or Justin Verlander.

James Villani grades Adam Ottavino‘s performance in the 2022 season.

Johnluke Chaparro profiles Josh Bell as he enters free agency.

On This Date in Mets History

1961: The Mets acquire three-time All-Star Frank Thomas from the Brewers for a player to be named later and $125,000. Thomas would go on to lead the 1962 Mets with 34 homers and 94 RBIs.

1994: The Mets bolster their pitching rotation by acquiring former All-Star Pete Harnisch from the Astros in exchange for a player to be named later. This is somewhat of a homecoming for the right-hander, who is from Commack, NY, and attended Fordham University.

2021: In a wild day of free agency, reports emerge that the Mets are on the verge of signing three-time Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer. The 37-year-old is coming off a season in which he made his eighth All-Star Game and finished third in Cy Young balloting.

Birthdays: Pedro Astacio (54), José Parra (50)

The post Morning Briefing: Padres Sign Julio Teheran appeared first on Metsmerized Online.

Orlando Ramirez, USA Today

Good morning, Mets fans!

Unfortunately, for both the Mets and the MLB as a whole, news has been Scarce. Luckily, the Winter Meetings are vastly approaching.

The post Morning Briefing: White Sox Showing Interest In Mike Clevinger appeared first on Metsmerized Online.