The Cubs have designated right-hander Chris Flexen for project, in accordance with a number of members of the Cubs beat (together with Maddie Lee of the Chicago Solar-Instances). Proper-hander Gavin Hollowell was referred to as up from Triple-A Iowa within the corresponding transfer.
Signed to a minor league deal this previous winter, Flexen’s contract was chosen to Chicago’s roster firstly of Could and he instantly reeled off 21 1/3 innings over 12 outings with out permitting an earned run. Even by 29 innings and 16 appearances, Flexen’s ERA stood at a minuscule 0.62, making him appear like a gem of an under-the-radar signing.
Sadly, the magic has worn off, as Flexen has given up 13 ER over his final 5 outings, translating to a 7.98 ERA over his final 14 2/3 innings of labor. The warning indicators had been obvious earlier than Flexen’s tough July bought underway, as he has solely a 12.4% strikeout price over his 43 2/3 complete innings, and the right-hander has benefited drastically from a .226 BABIP. Since Flexen’s 3.09 ERA is dwarfed by a 4.94 SIERA, the Cubs have determined to maneuver on from the 31-year-old.
Flexen labored primarily as a multi-inning reliever, and his tenure in Wrigleyville included one four-inning begin. He has been a starter for many of his profession and tossed 160 innings for the White Sox simply in 2024, however his low-strikeout and contact-heavy method makes him a threat for normal turns in a rotation, as Flexen’s 2021-22 seasons with the Mariners signify his solely constant run of outcomes as a starter on the MLB degree. Consuming innings in any capability is a precious ability, nevertheless, so it actually appears as if one other membership in want of some bullpen depth would possibly declare Flexen on waivers or work out a low-level commerce with the Cubs.
The contract choice locked in a $1.5MM wage for Flexen over the $1.5MM season. With 91 days of Main League service time logged this season, Flexen now has over 5 years of profession service time, so he can now reject an outright project to the minors and elect free company if he clears waivers.
