Mike Clevinger DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

The Chicago White Sox announced on Wednesday that they designated right-hander Mike Clevinger for assignment and selected the contract of right-hander Steven Wilson from Triple-A Charlotte in a corresponding move. There was talk of Clevinger potentially serving as the team's closer entering the 2025 season, but that never came to fruition and now he may be out of the organization completely after allowing five earned runs on five hits while walking eight and striking out three in 5 2/3 innings out of the bullpen for the Pale Hose. It was never a very pretty picture at the back of Chicago's bullpen, but things have gotten uglier in the early portion of the season. Fantasy managers desperate for save opportunities are the only ones with Jordan Leasure on their rosters. Wilson should work in a middle-relief role and isn't worth a waiver-wire pickup.

Chicago White Sox right-handed pitcher Mike Clevinger is reportedly near the top of the list for ninth-inning options heading into the regular season. White Sox manager Will Venable said he might use multiple players in the closer role, but said Clevinger could be an early favorite for saves on the South Side. The veteran right-hander has done a nice job through a few spring appearances, but this will be his first time being a full-time reliever. Clevinger only made four starts for the White Sox last season, but posted a 3.77 ERA across 24 starts in 2023. Honestly, Clevinger might be a viable closing option, but the White Sox probably aren't going to give him enough chances to warrant rostering him in most fantasy formats.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger could be making the transition into the bullpen. The right-hander recently signed a minor-league deal with the team. The assumption is that Clevinger would be competing for a spot in the starting rotation. That might not be the case as Clevinger reportedly could be headed to the bullpen. It's unclear if the team plans to use him in a late-inning type of role or a long relief pitcher. Regardless, it's unlikely that Clevinger could be a viable fantasy option in either of those roles. He posted a 3.77 ERA across 24 starts with the White Sox in 2023. Clevinger looks to rebound in 2025 after posting a 6.75 ERA in what was a injury-plagued 2024 season for the right-hander. Possibly a move to the bullpen could help Clevinger get his career back on track.