Cubs Sign Chris Flexen to Minor League Contract for Pitching Depth

CHICAGO, IL — The Chicago Cubs announced Monday they have reached a minor league agreement with right-handed pitcher Chris Flexen, pending a physical examination, according to Sahadev Sharma and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.

Flexen, 30, is expected to provide additional pitching depth for the Cubs after a challenging season with the Chicago White Sox, where he recorded a 3-15 record and a 4.95 earned run average (ERA) over 160 innings in 2024.

“Flexen was a reliable source of innings for the White Sox last year, leading the team with 160 frames across 33 appearances,” said Rosenthal. Despite his struggles with a below-average 17.4% strikeout rate and an 8.9% walk rate, Flexen’s experience may prove valuable as the Cubs build their roster.

Chicago’s rotation currently features Shota Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Matthew Boyd, and Javier Assad, with Flexen likely vying for the final spot. His performance during spring training could determine his role moving forward, as he faces competition from other pitchers, including potential swingmen.

“Flexen has shown he can handle a heavy workload, having topped 100 innings in all four seasons since returning to affiliated baseball,” Sharma noted. He previously played for the Seattle Mariners, where he posted a sub-4.00 ERA in consecutive seasons during 2021-22.

The Cubs might view Flexen as a depth option for their Triple-A Iowa affiliate, but he also has the right to opt out of his contract if he does not break camp with the major league roster. Under the collective bargaining agreement, free agents signing minor league deals prior to Opening Day are granted three opt-out opportunities: five days before Opening Day, May 1, and June 1.

Flexen finished last season with a WHIP of 1.519 and struck out 123 batters over his 33 games. His best season came in 2021, with a 14-6 record and a 3.61 ERA while pitching for the Mariners.

The financial aspects of Flexen’s contract with the Cubs have yet to be disclosed. However, his minimum level of risk may align with the Cubs’ strategy of bolstering their pitching roster amid budget considerations.