After signing a minor league deal in February and making five minor league starts, Chris Flexen was promoted to the major leagues by the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday.
In addition to optioning left-handed reliever Tom Cosgrove to the Triple-A farm team and moving right-hander Javier Assad, who has a strained left oblique, on the 60-day disabled list, Chicago chose to sign the contract of the 30-year-old right-hander from Iowa.
After spending the previous season with the crosstown White Sox, who established a post-1900 record with 121 defeats, Flexen joined the NL Central leader. In addition to his $1.5 million big league contract with the Cubs, he is eligible to receive $1 million in performance incentives for innings played, with $250,000 awarded for 50, 75, 100, and 125.
Flexen remarked, “I saw it as a chance to pitch.” “We had difficulties. Although it was a difficult season, I formed many wonderful connections there. I’m eager to visit Chicago once again now.
After being 3-0 with a 1.54 ERA in five starts with Iowa, Flexen is probably going to be deployed in middle and long relief. Last season, he led the White Sox with 160 innings pitched and was 3-15 with a 4.95 ERA in 30 starts and three relief appearances.
Flexen declared, “I’m really excited to be here.” “Chicago fans are great and I´m looking forward to seeing what it´s like on the other side.”
