White Sox sign former Guardians star, add to rotation in a big way

The Chicago White Sox struck gold by signing former Cleveland Guardians star Mike Clevinger, a low-leverage move that could pay huge dividends.

It’s a rather huge offseason in the South Side of Chicago, as the White Sox failed to live up to expectations under Tony La Russa.

Rotation depth was a looming issue for Chicago entering free agency, and they addressed it right away by signing Mike Clevinger, formerly of the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians, to a contract.

Per Ken Rosenthal and our own Robert Murray, Clevinger is indeed a Chicago White Sox pitcher, pending physical.

In what’s been a slow offseason so far across baseball, finally, we have some news.

Mike Clevinger injury history is a concern

Mike Clevinger’s injury history has to be a concern for the White Sox, and it’s why the “pending physical” part of the agreement has to be highlighted.

Clevinger had Tommy John surgery in 2020 after he was traded by the Guardians to the San Diego Padres. His recovery, which he’s discussed extensively, cost him the 2021 campaign. It’s been a long road.

After his first start in years, Clevinger revealed a startling thought he had during his recovery period.

“I wasn’t sure I was going to pitch again. This is big,” Clevinger said at the time.

Now, he has a new home, and a second chance in the AL Central.

White Sox rotation with Mike Clevinger

During his time with Cleveland from 2017-2020, Clevinger posted an ERA no higher than 3.11, with the 2019 campaign arguably being his best. It eventually earned him a trade to the Padres, where he failed to make much of an impact due to injury.

Chicago’s starting rotation already features Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, Lance Lynn and Michael Kopech. The addition of Clevinger only makes that unit more elite, should he stay healthy.