Former KBO pitcher Chris Flexen, 29, who was eventually released after two DFAs. However, there is hope that he could be back on the big league mound.
Major League Baseball Trade Rumors (MLBTR) reported on July 7 that Flexen was released by the New York Mets.
Flexen was designated for assignment by the Seattle Mariners on May 28. Six days later, he was traded to the Mets on April 4, but he was on the verge of leaving the team as a DFA again. He was finally released on July 7.
‘MLBTR’ said, “Flexen was DFA’d by Seattle after a disappointing season. He was later traded to the Mets, but eventually hit free agency,” MLBTR wrote. As a free agent, Flexen can negotiate with all 29 remaining teams.
Flexen returned to the major leagues in 2020 after going 8-4 with a 3.01 ERA for the Doosan Bears in the KBO. Signing a three-year deal with Seattle, he was a full-time starter in 2021, his first year back in the majors, and impressed with a 14-6 record, 3.61 ERA and 125 strikeouts in 179⅔ innings over 31 games.카지노사이트
The following year, he was solid again, going 8-9 with a 3.73 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 137⅔ innings over 33 games (22 starts), but lost his starting job late in the season. Veteran starter Luis Castillo (31) took over, and he was moved to the bullpen as prospects like Logan Gilbert (26) and George Kirby (25) pitched solidly as starters.
Ultimately, Flexen was released by Seattle after underperforming in the final year of his contract, going 4-4 with a 7.71 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 17 games (four starts) and 42 innings pitched.
Despite losing his job, Flexen still has a chance to return to the big league mound. Since last season, he has consistently drawn interest from teams looking to bolster their bullpen. Although he didn’t get traded, he was consistently on the short list.
As MLBTR notes, “Flexen has clearly struggled this season, but his previous history could draw interest (from other organizations). Teams are dealing with injuries to their pitching staffs, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see some of them take a chance on Flexen, especially since he doesn’t come with a financial commitment,” leaving the door open for a return to the big leagues.