Rumored Red Sox Target Reportedly Signs With White Sox After Strong Season

The veteran hurler was linked to the Red Sox on numerous occasions this past offseason

Aug 16, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Mike Clevinger (52) / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

One rumored Boston Red Sox free agent target reportedly is off the board.

Boston was no stranger to free-agent starting pitchers this past offseason. The Red Sox entered the offseason looking to add pitching and despite plenty of rumors, only ended up signing one hurler in Lucas Giolito.

The Red Sox seemingly made it known that they didn't want to spend and instead focused on internal options, but this didn't stop speculation from swirling. One player who was mentioned as a fit for the Red Sox on numerous occasions was veteran starter Mike Clevinger.

Clevinger had some interest in Boston and it seemed like the interest was mutual, but the hurler reportedly signed a deal with the Chicago White Sox on Monday, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

"Free-agent pitcher Mike Clevinger and the Chicago White Sox are in agreement on a contract, pending physical, according to sources familiar with the deal," Murray said. After trading Dylan Cease to the San Diego Padres, the White Sox checked in on Clevinger. The two sides have been in contact since and on Monday, agreed to a contract to bring the right-hander back to Chicago."

Clevinger could've been a solid option for the Red Sox for the middle of the rotation with upside. He had a strong 2023 season with Chicago and finished with a 3.77 ERA and 110-to-40 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 131 1/3 innings pitched.

Boston opted for internal candidates instead for the rotation and things seem to have worked out so far. The Red Sox's rotation is off to a historic start, although Boston has played just five games.

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