Mariners reportedly add standout KBO pitcher Chris Flexen on 2-year deal
A source confirms that Chris Flexen, a right-handed pitcher, has signed with the Mariners after an impressive season with Korea's Doosan Bears.
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While the move has yet to be officially announced, sources confirm the Mariners have reached agreement with right-hander Chris Flexen, a former 14th-round selection of the New York Mets who had a standout season in the Korean Baseball Organization in 2020.
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The 26-year-old Flexen made his Major League debut on July 27, 2017 and pitched in parts of three MLB seasons with the Mets, putting up an 8.07 ERA in 68 innings over 27 appearances, including 11 starts. His numbers in the KBO this past season are more likely what caught Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto’s eye.
Flexen spent 2020 as a member of the Doosan Bears, pitching 145 innings between the regular season and postseason, posting a 2.79 ERA with 164 strikeouts and 37 walks.
Chris Flexen, a former top #Mets prospect, turned in a spectacular #KBO debut with a 28% K% and a 2.74 FIP. He throws hard and his curveball was one of the best breaking pitches in the league. I went in-depth on him and his #MLB potential here: #KBOLeaguehttps://t.co/6sbGsMLxWz pic.twitter.com/Qbp0THKz4S
— Ben Howell (@benhowell71) November 29, 2020
In the regular season, Flexen made 21 starts, accumulating an 8-4 record with a 3.01 ERA, striking out 132 and walking 32 in 116.2 innings. While the strikeouts warrant attention, the 145 total innings pitched by Flexen this year are no doubt of value to Dipoto as he looks to maneuver a pitching staff where no starter accumulated more than 70 innings this year through what is hoped to be a full season in 2021.
Ken Davidoff of the New York Post reports the two-year deal is to be worth $4.75 million, with the Mariners holding a $4 million team option on Flexen for 2023, and Flexen has an $8 million vesting option for 2023 that kicks in with 150 innings pitched in 2022 or a combined 300 innings in 2021 and 2022.
The Mariners reportedly can’t assign Flexen to the minor leagues without his consent, and if Flexen gets traded, he receives a $250,000 bonus each time. The deal also features $1 million available in performance bonuses each year, including 2023 if that third year gets activated.
With experience in the bullpen, Flexen could live up to his name as a swing man on the Mariners pitching staff. Innings will be needed across the board and protecting young arms will be a priority.
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