Reese Kaplan -- Two Tier 2/Tier 3 Options for Mets Consideration

Yesterday we discussed in-house options for replacing Kodai Senga temporarily while his shoulder recovers.  We examined four possible candidates without considering the unproven rookies, but now that list is down to a trio with Max Kranick's hamstring injury already pushing him to the IL.  

One of the names mentioned as a tier 2/tier 3 option is Michael Lorenzen, a one-time All Star who is available in free agency.  The converted outfielder began his big league career as a starting pitcher, then was shifted to the bullpen for the next several seasons before returning to starting again in 2022.  Last year in Detroit he started off quite well and was recognized for his efforts with a trip to the midsummer classic as a player and not merely a spectator.  He then got shipped to the Phillies in a July trade and hit the road running with a no-hitter.  

Unfortunately, then his magical season kind of fell apart.  With the Phillies in 2023 he was 4-3 with a 5.51 ERA.  He gave up more hits than innings pitched, struck out very few, walked too many and sported an ugly 1.458 WHIP for the season.  It is not surprising, therefore, that the Phillies did not lock him up for 2024, particularly when he was earning $8.5 million for his paltry effort last year.

Over the course of his career Lorenzen has not been awful with a 40-38 records, a  4.11 ERA and moderate control to go along with moderate strikeout ability.  The question, of course, is what is he worth and is he actually any better than the in-house options?  At this late date he might get a split contract or a minor league deal with an invitation to the major league camp, but no one is breaking down his door for a hot half season in an otherwise very ordinary major league performance record.

The other player mentioned in this group was Mike Clevinger who has some off-the-field issues around his personality which could potentially disuade some potential suitors for his service in the starting rotation.  Let's get these issues up on the table front and center.  He has been accused of domestic violence based upon the word of one of the mothers of his children.  She provided photographic evidence of a bruise allegedly created when Clevinger threw an iPad at her while she was pregnant.  That accusation alone didn't trigger the MLB investigation.

She also stated that Clevinger was a user of illegal drugs, guilty of abuse of his young child as well, having thrown tobacco chew on him and having engaged in other non-specified acts of direct abuse or neglect that prompted baseball to investigate exactly what was going on with this pitcher.  Say what you will about the league and how it treats players who allegedly violate the rules and laws, but Clevinger did not get any disciplinary action for these allegations.

Now, how does this guy perform his trade on the mound?  Frankly, he's a bit better than Michael Lorenzen.  For his 8-year career split between the Indians, Padres and White Sox Clevinger has a winning record as a starting pitcher, 60-39.  He has a 3.45 career ERA and a roughly 3:1 strikeout to walk ratio with better than 1 per IP.  His WHIP is below 1.200.  

For this effort Clevinger was last paid $8 million before the ChiSox opted to buy out his 2024 contract for $4 million.  That means theoretically he should be on the market for roughly $4 million between what he's already being paid and the black cloud regarding the personal behavior off the field.  In 2023 overall he was 9-9 with a 3.77 ERA.  It was not his best year but it's certainly better than what might be expected from the in-house options.  Given his long term track record of pitching effectively and the potential to pay less for him than Lorenzen, he would seem to be the better mound option if you believe the MLB ruling of no abuse.