The Tampa Bay Rays are reportedly interested in acquiring right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen, according to a report from the Tampa Bay Times. Flexen, who was recently released by the New York Mets after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners, could be an attractive target for the Rays due to his agent’s connections in the Tampa area.
Flexen had been performing well in previous seasons, establishing himself as a dependable swingman or back-end rotation option. Over the course of the 2021 and 2022 seasons, he recorded a solid 3.66 ERA in 317 1/3 innings of work. Despite his respectable numbers, Flexen struggled with a low strikeout rate and a slightly elevated walk rate.
However, the 2023 season has been a different story for Flexen. In just 42 innings pitched, he has posted a dismal 7.71 ERA. While some bad luck and unfavorable batted ball results can be attributed to his poor performance, there are underlying issues that contribute to his struggles. Flexen’s walk rate has spiked, and his strikeout rate has decreased significantly, resulting in one of the lowest K-BB% figures in the league.
Despite his struggles, Flexen’s improved contact numbers and evidence of a fluky home run rate make him an appealing option for the Rays. The team is currently facing a shortage of starting pitching due to injuries and other factors. They are also known for their ability to maximize the potential of pitchers who were previously overlooked.
The Rays have had success with pitchers who have similar K-BB% issues, including current players Yonny Chirinos and Josh Fleming. Chirinos has had an impressive season, boasting a 3.88 ERA, while Fleming’s advanced metrics suggest he has been performing well despite a higher ERA compared to his counterparts.
Considering the Rays’ need for additional starting pitching depth and their track record with similar pitchers, it is no surprise that they are interested in Flexen. While nothing is certain at this point, the possibility of a deal between Flexen and the Rays remains open. Flexen is still owed money from his previous contract with the Mets, which means any team that signs him would only be responsible for a prorated portion of the league minimum.
In conclusion, the Tampa Bay Rays have expressed interest in acquiring Chris Flexen to bolster their starting pitching depth. While Flexen has struggled this season, his improved contact numbers and the Rays’ reputation for developing overlooked pitchers make him an intriguing target. Time will tell if the two parties will be able to strike a deal, but the Rays’ pursuit of Flexen is indicative of their commitment to finding creative solutions to their pitching needs.
