It’s a preliminary free agent worth 16.8 billion won…

The 2023 season is very important to Chris Flexen (29, Seattle Mariners). This is because it is the season when the 2+1 year contract with Seattle is finalized. He made his major league debut with the New York Mets in 2017 and stayed there until 2019. And in 2020, he made an impressive performance with the Doosan Bears in the KBO League with 8 wins and 4 losses and an average ERA of 3.01 in 21 games.

While leading Doosan’s runner-up in the Korean Series, 메이저사이트he was recognized for his contribution and re-entered the major leagues through the 2020-2021 FA market. 2+1 year contract worth 12.75 million dollars (approximately 16.8 billion won). A +1-year contract is awarded if he completes 300 innings total in his first two years, and Flexen has pitched 317⅓ innings over the past two years.

Ahead of his most important season, Flexen was even the subject of trade rumors. This is because this year’s Seattle starting lineup has outstanding members such as Robbie Ray, Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, and George Cub. In fact, Flexen’s first appearance this season, against the Cleveland Guardians on the 1st, was a relief appearance, not a starter. He threw well with 4 hits, 1 strikeout, 3 walks and 1 run in 4 innings.

However, after that day, Flexen started in three consecutive games. This is because Ray was placed on the disabled list on the 15th due to an arm injury after the game against Cleveland on the 1st. Fifteen days have passed, but Ray still hasn’t returned. For Flexen, this is a chance to properly paint your eyes.

However, Flexen cannot take advantage of this golden opportunity. Against the Los Angeles Angels on the 6th, he threw well with 2 hits (1 home run), 4 strikeouts, 2 walks and 2 runs in 5 innings. He was shaken from the match against the Chicago Cubs on the 12th. He gave up 10 hits (2 homers), 1 strikeout, 2 walks and 8 runs in 2⅓ innings. And on the 18th against the Milwaukee Brewers, he allowed 4 runs with 6 hits, 5 strikeouts, 1 walk, and 6 innings.

The Milwaukee match wasn’t as broken as the Cubs match, but it’s hard to see that the team created enough momentum to survive in the starting lineup even after Ray returned. He had a 91-92 mph four-seam with a changeup, cutter, and slider. He thoroughly pitched a breaking ball, but had a perfect pitch and distance. Since his four-seam was not fast, the power of his breaking ball could not be maximized, and misfires were frequent.

7.79 ERA with 3 losses in 4 games this season. His three games as a starter are three losses and an earned run average of 9.45. The season is still early, and Flexen will be given a chance anyway. He may go back to the bullpen before Ray returns, or if another variable arises, he may get another starter next time.

In any case, it is expected that the current trend will be changed to maintain the value as a trade item and widen the range of maneuver in the free agent market after the season. Flexen’s performance this season, and furthermore, this winter’s move, are expected to leave an important mark in the history of KBO’s major league reverse exports. He is a player worth watching with interest.