Right-hander Mike Clevinger has agreed to return to the Chicago White Sox on a one-year contract, according to multiple reports.
The White Sox declined Clevinger’s $12-million mutual option in November, making him a free agent. He got a $4 million buyout after earning $8 million in his first season with Chicago.
Clevinger, 33, was 9-9 with a 3.77 ERA in 24 starts in 2023. He missed time during the season with wrist and biceps injuries.
Prior to the season, Clevinger was under investigation by MLB for allegations of domestic abuse. The investigation concluded with no suspension issued last March.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, "the investigation included interviews of more than 15 people, including Clevinger and a woman who said she is the mother of Clevinger’s child, as well as reviews of thousands of electronic communications and other documents.
"Clevinger agreed to be evaluated by the joint treatment boards under baseball’s collective bargaining agreement and follow any of the board’s recommendations, the commissioner's office said in a statement."
The White Sox are 0-3 to start the 2024 season, dropping their opening series to the Detroit Tigers.
A fourth-round pick of the Los Angeles Angels in 2011, Clevinger was traded to Cleveland in 2014 and began his big-league career with that organization in 2016.
The San Diego Padres acquired Clevinger in August 2020. He missed the entire 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
For his career, Clevinger is 60-39 with a 3.45 ERA.
